…investigations ongoing – Police Spokesperson, Timfon JohnÂ
By Ime Silas
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a series of operational successes in its sustained offensive against criminal elements across the state, recovering locally fabricated firearms, a Dane gun, and arresting multiple suspects in coordinated raids and stop-and-search operations.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr, and issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, the Command has intensified proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and visibility patrols in line with directives to rid all identified black spots of criminal activities.
Raid at Urua Ekpa Street Yields Firearm Recovery
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command carried out a raid operation on June 22, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m. at Urua Ekpa Street. Police said suspected criminals fled on sighting the team, abandoning a red scarf used to conceal a locally fabricated pistol.
“The recovered firearm has been secured while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the statement read. The Command confirmed that investigations are underway to track down those involved and bring them to justice.
Dane Gun Intercepted Along Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road
In a separate operation on the same date, officers conducting routine stop-and-search duties along the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road intercepted an Opel motorcycle. A search of the motorcycle led to the discovery of a Dane gun concealed on the vehicle.
The rider abandoned the motorcycle and escaped into nearby bushes before he could be arrested. Police said investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect. The motorcycle and the recovered Dane gun have been taken into custody as exhibits.
Palm Fruit Theft Leads to Arrest, More Recoveries
The Command also disclosed that operatives responded promptly to a distress call and arrested two suspects identified as Uduak James and Matthew Udo for alleged theft of palm fruits.
“A subsequent search conducted at the suspects’ premises led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, an unregistered motorcycle, and wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp,” DSP John stated.
The two suspects are currently in police custody while further investigation continues to determine the full extent of their criminal activities and possible links to other offenses within the state.
Imitation Firearm Seized at Government House
In another incident, an officer attached to Government House apprehended one Wisdom Umana who was found in possession of a toy AK-47 rifle. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to be a vigilante operative on escort duties.
DSP John added a clarification to members of the press regarding the suspect’s statement: “I am inundated with calls on the claim of the suspect in my earlier press release that the suspect claimed to be a staff of the honorable commissioner of information. I wish to state categorically that the claim has not been verified. It is still under investigation.”
The Police Public Relations Officer noted that the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s activities and possession of the imitation firearm are being thoroughly investigated, and further developments will be communicated to the public in due course.
CP Azare Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety
Speaking on the Command’s operational gains, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property throughout Akwa Ibom State.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under my leadership, will not relent in its aggressive operations aimed at eliminating criminal activities. All identified black spots across the State will be rid of criminal elements,” CP Azare was quoted as saying in the release.
He warned criminal elements to desist from all unlawful activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
“We are deploying intelligence-led operations, sustained visibility patrols, and swift response to distress calls across all divisions. There will be no hiding place for criminals in Akwa Ibom,” the Commissioner stated.
Police Solicit Public Support
The Command assured members of the public that all suspects connected to the cases will be diligently investigated and prosecuted where necessary. It also urged residents to continue supporting the Police by providing timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to keep the state safe and secure.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to maintain law and order, strengthen public confidence, and sustain the ongoing fight against crime across the State,” the statement concluded.
Security analysts say the recent recoveries and arrests reflect the Command’s renewed focus on proactive policing. Residents in Uyo and surrounding areas have also commended the increased police visibility, noting that it has improved confidence in night movement and business activities.
As investigations continue, the Police Command says it will update the public on new developments, particularly on cases still under inquiry.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan umana has denied any link to the suspect arrested by the police with toy gun in Uyo.
A terse statement circulated on the social media same believed to have been authorized by State’s Spokesperson, read:
“COMMISSIONER ANIEKAN UMANAH DENIES LINK TO SUSPECT ARRESTED WITH TOY GUN IN UYO
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has distanced himself from a suspect arrested by the Police for allegedly carrying a toy firearm and claiming to be attached to his office.
The clarification follows a statement by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command which disclosed that one Wisdom Umana was apprehended in possession of a toy AK-47 rifle and allegedly identified himself as a vigilante operative attached to the Commissioner for Information”.
