Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate operating in Ikot Ekpene and neighbouring local government areas, following an intelligence-led operation conducted on the morning of Saturday, February 8, 2026. The targeted raid at a hideout in Ikot Otu Village, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of weapons and incriminating items, underscoring the command’s ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in the region.
According to a police statement, operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the location at about 8:30 a.m. and apprehended a 48-year-old suspect identified as Elijah Akpan. A subsequent search of his person revealed four expended cartridges and two Special Protection Unit (SPU) police badges, raising serious concerns over criminal impersonation and the illegal use of official paraphernalia.
Further investigation led to the arrest of 32-year-old Nsikak Udo, whom police identified as the custodian of the firearm allegedly used by the gang. During searches linked to the operation, officers also recovered a single-barrel gun, eight expended cartridges, and three small containers of gunpowder, as well as components believed to be used in the illegal reloading of ammunition. The presence of such materials points to a sophisticated process of ammunition manufacture outside lawful channels, a serious threat to public safety and order.
The operation revealed additional criminal concerns beyond armed robbery. The recovery of official-looking SPU police badges suggests that some members of the syndicate may have been impersonating police officers, a tactic that can be used to deceive the public and facilitate violent crime. Police described this development as particularly alarming, stressing that the misuse of legitimate security credentials can erode trust and endanger civilians if left unchecked.
Both suspects remain in custody at the Akwa Ibom State Police Command headquarters in Uyo as investigations deepen. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, determine the source of the recovered firearm and ammunition, and establish whether the operation connects to broader criminal networks. The investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests anticipated as intelligence efforts expand.
In a statement issued on February 9, 2026, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public safety, warning that Akwa Ibom will not be a sanctuary for criminals. He stated that intelligence-driven raids and targeted policing operations will be sustained across the state to detect, deter and dismantle criminal structures. The commissioner urged residents to contribute to community safety by reporting credible information to security agencies promptly, noting that effective policing is a shared responsibility.
The operation forms part of a series of recent actions by the Akwa Ibom Police Command designed to counter armed robbery, cult-related violence, and the illegal circulation of weapons and improvised ammunition. In the past year, the command has arrested multiple suspects on various serious charges, recovered firearms and ammunition during raids, and disrupted several criminal hideouts across the state. Intelligence-led patrols aimed at identifying black spots have also led to arrests and the seizure of illicit weapons, indicating sustained enforcement pressure on organised crime groups.
Analysts and local security observers have noted that armed robbery syndicates in the South-South region, including parts of Akwa Ibom, have at times become more emboldened by utilising impersonation tactics and improvised weaponry. The use of fake or illegally obtained official badges can facilitate access to restricted areas and enable criminals to bypass community suspicion. The police crackdown reflects heightened concern over such trends and a strategic shift toward proactive, intelligence-driven policing.
Community reaction to the arrests has been cautious but largely supportive of the police, with residents expressing hope that sustained action will reduce violent crime and enhance overall safety. Local leaders and civic groups reiterated calls for continued transparency in the handling of investigations and for strengthened cooperation between citizens and law enforcement—a cooperation that police have emphasised as vital to pre-empting criminal activity.
Security analysts also highlight broader socio-economic factors that can drive involvement in armed robbery and related crimes, including unemployment, limited access to formal economic opportunities, and the proliferation of illicit weapons. Efforts to address these underlying conditions rely on multi-sectoral approaches, combining law enforcement with community development and social intervention programmes.
The recent operation in Ikot Ekpene reflects the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s focus on dismantling criminal networks before they can escalate into more serious threats to civic order. It follows a pattern of enhanced policing activity across the state, marked by intensified surveillance, raids on suspected hideouts and incremental disruption of armed groups. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue sharing information with authorities, reinforcing the police message that public safety requires shared effort between security agencies and the communities they protect.
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