Idara Jerome, Uyo
A sustained intelligence-led crackdown on violent crime in Akwa Ibom has led to the recovery of a murder weapon, firearms, live ammunition and a suspected stolen motorcycle, as police arrested three suspects linked to separate murder and armed robbery cases.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the operations, carried out in different parts of the state, dealt a major blow to criminal networks that had been terrorising residents of Ikot Abasi, Itu and Ibiono Ibom local government areas.
The biggest breakthrough came with the arrest of Nsikak Akpan, who had allegedly evaded arrest for almost six months after the January 6 killing of Markanson, both of Ikot Akpan-Edemaya in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
According to the Command, intelligence operatives tracked the suspect to his hideout and arrested him on June 30 after months of surveillance and coordinated investigations.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation, leading detectives to recover the locally made Dane gun allegedly used in the killing.
In another operation, detectives dismantled a suspected motorcycle-snatching syndicate believed to have been attacking riders and commuters at gunpoint in Ibiono Ibom and Itu local government areas.
The raid on the gang’s hideout at Nasarawa Market, Mbak Itam, resulted in the arrest of 22-year-old Destiny Ekong and the recovery of an unregistered Mate C90 motorcycle suspected to have been stolen from one of the gang’s victims.
Further investigations led officers to the residence of another suspect, 50-year-old Anietie John, where a single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges were recovered during a search.
Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons and stolen property believed to be in their possession.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, described the operations as a demonstration of the Command’s renewed offensive against violent crime, commending the officers for their professionalism and persistence.
“Our intelligence architecture has been significantly strengthened to detect, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks across the state. Criminals should either abandon their unlawful activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law,” Azare warned.
The Commissioner also urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, assuring them that all intelligence would be treated confidentially as the Command intensifies efforts to make Akwa Ibom increasingly hostile to violent criminals.