…recover firearm, other items
By Ime Silas
The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police has recorded another decisive operational success in its sustained onslaught against cultism, illegal arms possession, and allied criminal activities across the State.
This was revealed in a statement by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare dated 25th February, 2026 and signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent.
According to the statement “On 24th February, 2026, at approximately 1500hrs, vigilant operatives of the Command, while on routine patrol within Nsit Atai Local Government Area, intercepted a motorcycle conveying two passengers for a stop-and-search operation. Upon lawful directive to halt, one of the passengers carrying a black handbag strapped around his neck suddenly alighted and fled in a bid to evade arrest”.
The statement further added that the successful arrest was as a result of tactical alertness and professionalism of the personnel, and also revealed the items recovered from suspect.
“Demonstrating tactical alertness and professionalism, the operatives swiftly pursued and apprehended the fleeing suspect. A thorough search conducted at the point of arrest led to the recovery of the following items: One locally fabricated pistol, several wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, one lighter and one small mobile phone”
The police noted that the suspect, one Abasi-Ama Bassey has confessed to being a member of a notorious Black Axe secret cult, and that efforts were on top gear towards ensuring a deligent prosecution of the suspect.
“Preliminary interrogation revealed the suspect’s identity as Abasi-Ama Bassey (M) of Ikot Nkwo Village, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Akwa Ibom State. The suspect further confessed to membership of the notorious Black Axe secret cult confraternity.
The Command has immediately initiated discreet and comprehensive investigations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate. Efforts are underway to ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with extant laws”
The statement further reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance against criminal activities in the state, saying “The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reaffirms the Command’s unwavering zero-tolerance stance against cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and all forms of criminality. He warns individuals and groups engaged in violent and unlawful activities to desist forthwith or face the full weight of the law.
The Command remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property. Members of the public are urged to continue supporting security efforts by providing credible and timely information to the Police”.
