The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man and recovered two locally made pistols, a cartridge and two machetes during an operation in Ifa Atai community, as efforts continue to track down another suspect who escaped arrest.
The police identified the arrested suspect as Ifiok Owoidem, an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested Owoidem at about 7pm on October 19, following intelligence about suspected armed robbers allegedly terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and neighbouring communities.
The statement said the suspects had reportedly been sighted brandishing weapons, raising concerns about a possible attack on a member of the public.
Acting on the intelligence, the operatives reportedly moved to a hotel in Ifa Atai, where the suspects were allegedly hiding and smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs.
A search of the arrested suspect’s room led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, one expanded cartridge, two machetes and bottles containing substances suspected to be charms.
The police said one other suspect escaped and was being sought by operatives, adding that efforts were ongoing to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, while urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and the illegal possession of firearms.
The command also encouraged members of the public to provide useful information through the nearest police station or established reporting channels.
The statement assured residents that the fight against armed robbery and other violent crimes remained a priority.
The police have yet to disclose whether the recovered weapons have been linked to any specific robbery incident. The allegations against the arrested suspect have not been tested in court.
