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It is with immense joy and gratitude that I warmly welcome you to this press briefing at the Headquarters of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Ikot Akpan Abia. I would like to seize this opportunity to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the vibrant media community in our dear Akwa Ibom , your unwavering partnership and commitment to disseminating accurate and timely information have been instrumental in fostering a safer and more informed society.
The synergy between the press and the Police Command has not only ensured that our achievements are adequately reported but has also served as a critical link in building public confidence and trust. I urge you all to continue this laudable collaboration as we strive to uphold the safety and security of every resident of Akwa Ibom State.
It is, therefore, my pleasure to once again meet with you face-to-face to highlight some of the achievements of the Command. These successes, as you will see, reflect the dedication of our officers and men, and our commitment to proactive policing, collaboration with sister security agencies, and community engagement.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMMAND:
1. ATTEMPTED KIDNAP/RECOVERY OF FIREARM:
On 27/11/2024, at about 1940 hrs, operatives of the Command, while on patrol along Ikot Ekpene/Uyo Highway, received a distress call from a woman (name withheld) reporting that some armed men were attempting to kidnap her husband. Acting swiftly on the information received, operatives of the Command rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, the armed assailants opened fire in a bid to escape, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the hoodlums. During the gun duel, one suspect was neutralized, while others fled the scene on a motorcycle. The following items were recovered from the scene:
(i) One cut-to-size AK-47 rifle
(ii) Four (4) rounds of ammunition
(iii) One empty shell
(iv) One bag containing substances suspected to be charms
(v) One business card bearing the name of a certain individual
Investigation is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
2. ARREST OF A NOTORIOUS GUN RUNNER / DISCOVERY OF GUN-MAKING FACTORY / RECOVERY OF ARMS AND EQUIPMENT:
Based on credible information at the Command’s disposal, operatives stormed a gun-making factory where firearms of various makes were fabricated and sold to criminals. During the operation, one David Nse Emmanuel ‘m’ was arrested, while his father, Akpan Nse Emmanuel ‘m,’ and his brothers, who jointly run the business, fled. The following items were recovered:
Seven (7) newly made single-barrel guns
Five (5) newly made double-barrel guns
One (1) special steel double-trigger pistol
One (1) broken single-barrel gun
One (1) trigger-handle walking stick knife
Several cut iron pipes used for constructing gun barrels
Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and trace those who purchased or ordered firearms from them.
3. ARMED ROBBERY/UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARM:
On 29/11/2024, at about 1730 hrs, based on credible information, operatives of the Command, while on patrol along Ibesikpo Asutan, intercepted suspected motorcycle robbers. When accosted by the police, the suspects fled but were pursued. One Otobong Joseph Peter ‘m,’ aged 27 years, who was carrying a bag, was arrested. Upon searching the bag, a locally made single-barrel pistol was found. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
4. VANDALIZATION/MALICIOUS DAMAGE/STEALING:
Based on credible information at the Command’s disposal, operatives investigated a report that the Akwa Ibom Royal Entertainment Center at Ibom Tropicana Complex was burgled by unknown hoodlums. One Solomon Edet Essien ‘m’ was arrested, and items such as doors, window frames, glasses, and electrical fittings were recovered.
5. ARREST OF SERIAL CAR SNATCHER:
On 25/10/2024, Information at the Command’s disposal led to the recovery of a black Toyota Corolla car, registration number ETN 674AA, suspected to have been stolen. Acting swiftly , operatives of the Command arrested one Kingsley Ernest Nelson ‘m,’ aged 38 years. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been previously charged to court twice and remanded for similar offenses. He confessed to starting his car-stealing operations in 2017, collaborating with partners based in Rivers State. The following items were recovered:
One (1) Toyota Sienna car with registration number DUU 692NZ
One (1) Toyota Rav4 jeep with registration number ETN 676AA (colored white)
Master keys used to unlock vehicles forcefully
Six (6) fake car documents
Investigations are ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles.
6. ARMED ROBBERY/RECOVERY OF FIREARM:
On 24/10/2024, at about 2350 hrs, a man (name withheld) reported via a distress call that he was attacked by three armed men wearing black masks while driving his black Toyota Camry car. The armed men fired sporadically, dragged him out of the vehicle, and drove off. Operatives of the Command traced the suspects to Aba, Abia State, and arrested five individuals:
1. Clement Ime Okon ‘m’
2. Thomas Effiong ‘m’
3. Joseph Okon Edem ‘m’
4. Saviour Agbor ‘m’
5. Matthew Elijah Stephen ‘m’
The stolen car was recovered at a car stand where it was being negotiated for sale. Further investigation led to the recovery of three locally made pistols and charms. The suspects will have their day in court.
7. CULTISM/ARMED ROBBERY:
On the 12/11/2024 at about 1000hrs, the Command received a distress call from one man (name withheld) that one Unyime Emmanuel Edet ‘m’ aka “Mkpọkpọrọ” and his gang blocked him on the road and ordered him to join their “Red Skin” secret cult after collecting his two itel android phones and also went to his house and made away with his Fireman generator, threatening that if he does not pay the sum of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), he will know no peace. Operatives of the Command swung into action immediately and arrested the following suspect namely:-
1.Unyime Emmanuel Edet ‘m’
2.Idongesit Sunday Eduok ‘m’
3. Daniel Dominic Albert ‘m’
4.Eyaketin Stephen Dan ‘m’
Items recovered from the Suspects are:- One locally made pistol, operational motorcycle and substance suspected to be cocaine. Suspects will have their day in court.
8. CONSPIRACY/ ARMED ROBBERY:
On 25/10/2024, at about 0200hrs, the Command received a distress call from a youth leader of a particular community that a group of armed robbers had invaded the residence of one woman (name withheld), a POS operator, and robbed her of her business money and other valuables. The operatives swung into action and arrested one Joshua Sunday Linus ‘m’, one Isaac Edem Archibong, and one Christian Anthony Archibong ‘m’. Investigation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol with an expended cartridge, including a quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspects will have their day in court.
9. CHILD STEALING:
On 14/11/2024, at about 1510hrs, the Command received a distress call from one woman (name withheld), who reported that five (5) of her children had been taken away by an unknown man on a motorcycle. The Command’s operatives immediately swung into action in the company of villagers from Mbiakpan Ikot Idim and Obio Ibiono. The suspect, one Promise Boniface ‘m’, was given a hot chase and arrested at Obio Ibiono. The five (5) children were rescued unhurt and reunited with their parents. The motorcycle used by the suspect in committing the crime was recovered.
I want to assure all citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State that the Command will continue to intensify its efforts against crime and stand firm in its duty to protect lives and property. Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in the country, and we are determined to ensure it stays that way.
