Hottestgistnaija.com
Good afternoon, gentlemen of the press, and thank you for finding time to be here today.
It’s always a delight to be with you. Your role in shaping public understanding and supporting the fight against crime is invaluable and I deeply value this partnership as we work together to make Akwa Ibom a place where everyone can feel safe.
Let it be known: Akwa Ibom is too hot for criminals. You have only two options – turn a new leaf or leave. If you choose to stay and continue with your nefarious activities, rest assured, the Command will find you, and when we do, we will ensure you face justice.
In the past week, the Command has made remarkable strides in dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding lives and properties across the state.
Below are some of the key achievements we have recorded in recent days:
1. BURGLARY AND STEALING
On 20th January 2025, at about 04:00hrs, based on credible information by a complainant that his apartment was burgled and valuable items were stolen. Operatives of the Command arrested two suspects, One Moses Godwin Ndiong and Abraham Godwill Eshiet, both males from Apostolic Road in Eket LGA. The suspects were found with burglary tools, including cutters and pliers. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and provided useful information which led to the recovery of the stolen items as follows:
i. one 65-inch smart LG TV
ii. One 2900 Sumec Generator
iii. one 42-inch LG LED TV
iv. one 32-inch LG LED TV
v. one set of Sony home theater system
vi. one Toyota Camry car with registration number KY 984 EKY
vii. Electric cables.
viii. 2 CCTV cameras
ix. a set of kitchen utensils and cutleries
x. one AM Cool double burner gas cooker
xi. one 14-inch LG LED TV
xii. one 12.5kg gas cylinder
xii. a set of senator wear
xiii. one Samsung iPad
xiv. one 32-inch LG LED TV
xv. one 24-inch Samsung LCD TV
xvi. three pairs of Italian shoes
xvii. three different Wi-Fi connectors
xviii. one POS machine
xix. a bag containing various new motor parts
xx. one PAL pension gadget
xxi. two golden bracelets
xxii. one golden chain wristwatch
xxiii. one golden necklace
xxiv. one silver chain wristwatch
xxv. one lighting chandelier
xxvi. one set of Sony home theater system
xxvii. one 42-inch Sony LED TV
xxviii. one double plates electric cooker
xxix. one HP LG outdoor unit air conditioner
xxx. two silver cooking pots
xxxi. one traveler’s bag containing clothes
xxxii. one black Canon bag
xxxiii. a pair of leather slippers
xxxiv. Various electric chargers and adapters.
2. ARREST OF BURGLARY SUSPECT AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN ITEMS
On 21st January 2025, at about 10:45 pm, following a distress call, Operatives of the Command arrested one Abasifreke Essien James, ‘m’ resident of Nung Oku Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA. The suspect was caught after he broke into a Church, located at No. 37 Ikono Street, Uyo, and items recovered includes
i. One (1) small Tiger generator
ii. One (1) hammer
iii. One ( 1) plier
iv. One (1) SUMEC generator tyre
v. One (1) SUMEC generator coil
vi. Some spanners
3. ARREST OF SUSPECT AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN ITEMS
On 26th January 2025, Operatives of the Command carried out a successful raid across various black spots in communities, including Hospital Road Mkpanak, College Road Iwuokpom, Inua Eyet Ikot Beach, and other villages within Ibeno.During the operation, one Shamsudeen Ibrahim, ‘M’ from Adamawa State, was apprehended. The suspect was found with the following items suspected to be stolen,
i. two iron protectors
ii. one aluminum window frame
iii. several squeezed aluminum roofing sheets
Investigations are ongoing as the police continue their efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the area.
4. ARREST OF CHILD TRAFFICKING SUSPECTS
On 15th June 2024, a woman (name withheld) of Afaha Atai Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA reported that one Christiana Uwem Ibanga, a female resident of Ekamba Nsukara Village in Uyo LGA, lured her six-year-old daughter, (name withheld) and took her to an unknown destination. Acting promptly on credible intelligence, our operatives immediately swung into action and arrested one Christiana Uwem Ibanga and her accomplice who is her boyfriend named Inyene Etuk Akpan, on 14th January 2025 in Abuja. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to selling their own child in May 2024 for ₦450,000 with the assistance of one Saviour Aniedi, ‘m’. Christiana further confessed to conspiring with Saviour Aniedi and his wife to steal the complainant’s child, who was later sold in Aba, Abia State, to an unidentified buyer.On 23rd January 2025, investigators extended their operations to Aba in pursuit of the buyer and the child. While the suspects in Aba remain elusive, the Command assures the public that substantial progress has been made. Our operatives are narrowing in on the perpetrators and their apprehension is imminent.
5. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ILLICIT DRUG DEALERS AND RECOVERY OF WEAPONS
As part of intensified efforts to rid the entire State of criminal elements, on 26/01/2025 the operatives of the command conducted a strategic raid. The operation targeted identified blackspots, including hotels, brothels, and specific compounds in Nto Nsek Village and its environs, aimed at clamping down on illicit drug activities and other crimes. The operation led to the arrest of a female suspect, one Happiness Malachi George, who was apprehended for engaging in the sale of Indian hemp and other substances. In a coordinated effort, the team also raided a Brothel in Ikot Ebong Village, Odoro Ikot Clan, where two female suspects, Queen Sambo Umoren, aged 28, and Joy Chima, Inyene-Obong Patrick Michael aged 28, was arrested and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was found in their possession and a jackknife.
Furthermore, the team intercepted Ekemini-Abasi Micah Silas, ‘m’ 32, who was caught mounting an illegal roadblock at Ikot Ekpenyong Village in Odoro Ikot Clan. He was found with suspected illicit drugs. While some suspects managed to flee during the operation, proactive measures are in place to track and apprehend them.
6. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF SUSPECTED HARD DRUGS
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command conducted a raid on 27th January 2025 at a criminal hideout in Ikot Udota Village, Eket. During the operation, one Mfon Akpan, ‘m’ 34, was arrested. A search of his premises led to the recovery of items suspected to be cocaine, intoxicating substances known as kolos, and a quantity of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to being involved in the sale of hard drugs, including Indian hemp and substances commonly referred to as “ice.”Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the suspect is a key distributor of illicit substances within the Eket area. The Command is intensifying efforts to trace and apprehend other members of the network, as no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing campaign against drug-related crimes. Suspect will be charged to court.
7. ARREST OF SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS CULTIST AND RECOVERY OF SUBSTANCES SUSPECTED TO BE CANNABIS SATIVA
In line with our continuous efforts to combat criminal activities within the state, operatives of the Command, on 26th January 2025, conducted a routine patrol along various places of worship in Oron LGA. During the operation at approximately 13:45hrs, one Benjamin Effiong Frank, alias “Sanko,” ‘m’ aged 27, of Idua Asang Village, was apprehended.Upon sighting the patrol team, the suspect attempted to flee but was swiftly arrested. A subsequent examination of his belongings led to the recovery of a black bag containing weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the proscribed cult group, Junior Vikings. Suspect will have his day in court.
8. ARREST OF SUSPECTED HARD DRUG DEALERS
On 26th January 2025, in line with our unyielding commitment to combating illegal drug trade, operatives of the Command, successfully executed a raid at approximately 19:00hrs in the Manta General Area of Abak.
The operation was based on sustained intelligence regarding the activities of a suspected notorious drug dealers who have been dealing in illicit substances, including Indian hemp and a substance known as “Ice.” The team apprehended the following suspects: Uwem Okon Nsini, ‘m,’ and Nsikak Friday Okon, ‘m’ Meanwhile, the suspects will be duly arraigned in court.
9. ARREST OF SUSPECTS AND RECOVERY OF SUBSTANCES SUSPECTED TO BE ILLICIT DRUGS
On 21st January 2025, at about 23:10hrs, Operatives of the Command raided two identified black spots located at Ekpene Ukpa Village and Afaha Effiat Village in Etinan LGA. During the operation, eight (8) suspects were apprehended,
1. Rose Anietie Bassey ‘f’ Ikot Ekan village
2. Sarah Iniobong Sunday ‘f’ Afaha Effiat village
3. Idorenyin Effiong Jack ‘m’ Afaha Effiat village
4. Udeme Bill Akpan ‘m’ Ikot Obong/Ikot Inyang village
5. Iniobong Monday Akpakpan ‘m’ Ikot Obong/Ikot Inyang village
6. Ezekiel Peter Inyang ‘m’ Efa village
7. Ime Thompson Ukut ‘m’ Ekpene Ukpa village
8. David Boniface Brown ‘m’ Ikot Eba village.
Exhibits recovered includes substances suspected to be Ice and dried Indian hemp.Suspects will have their days in court.
10. ARREST OF SUSPECTED DRUG DEALERS
On 27th January 2025, based on credible intelligence, Operatives of the Command arrested two suspects, One Etimbuk Michael Okon and Victor Antai, both males from Ikot Ekpene and Oron Local Governments respectively. A search of their apartments in Nkap village, off Library Avenue, Ikot Ekpene, led to the recovery of substances suspected to be Canadian heroin and Ice. The suspects admitted to obtaining their supplies from a suspect named Kingsley, believed to be a drug supplier from Benin. Efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals involved in this illicit drug trade.Investigations are ongoing, and suspects will be arraigned in court.
11. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FAKE CURRENCY AND HARD DRUGS
On 19th January 2025, at about 11:30hrs, based on credible intelligence, the operatives of the Command while conducting a stop-and-search operation along Aba Ikot Ekpene Road, intercepted one Abraham Prince Johnson, ‘M’ from Ikot Oko village in Essien Udim LGA. During the search, two pieces of 100 USD notes suspected to be fake, and twelve wraps of ‘Thailand’ suspected to be hard drugs were in his possession. The suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items. He will be charged to court.
12. ARREST OF TRICYCLE THEFT SYNDICATE AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN TRICYCLE
On 20th January 2025, at about 16:59hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command apprehended the following suspects: Ubong Dominic Ekong, ‘M’, Salisu Musa, ‘m’, Baba Tella ‘m’, Robert Ezekiel James, ‘M’, Eze Joseph Chibuike, ‘M’ and Abubakar Sadiq ‘m’. The operation led to the recovery of a stolen tricycle with registration number A/T/09230 UYY. Investigations revealed that Ubong Dominic Ekong had robbed the tricycle on 17th January 2025 and attempted to sell it to Abubakar Sadiq and Salisu Musa. The tricycle was disassembled into parts but was recovered and secured for further investigation. Efforts are ongoing to uncover other members of the syndicate and trace additional stolen items linked to their operations. All the suspects will appear in court.
Gentlemen of the press, let me make this abundantly clear: the Akwa Ibom State Police Command under the watchful eye of CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, is not here to negotiate with criminals. Suspected drug dealers, robbers, car thieves, child traffickers, cultists, and other criminal elements operating in this state should take this as a final warning-your days are numbered. I repeat, you either turn a new leaf or leave Akwa Ibom, because if you choose to stay, the Command is watching, and will dismantle your operations across all 31 LGAs.
For those who believe they can evade justice, let me assure you that every move is being monitored. We are not just scratching the surface; we are going after the masterminds, you can run, but you cannot hide.
To the good people of Akwa Ibom, we need your support. Provide us with credible information and rest assured, your identity will remain confidential. The fight against crime requires the collaboration of everyone, and together, we will make this state too hot for criminals to thrive.
