Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, have arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in armed robbery and recovered firearms during a targeted raid in Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. This development was confirmed by multiple verified news outlets reporting on police statements issued on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence on the hideout of a suspected armed robbery kingpin in the area. Officers stormed the location at about 1:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026, but the principal suspect, identified as Abasiama Ekot — also known locally as “Dombary” — reportedly fled before police could apprehend him.
Two other suspects present at the premises were arrested after a brief chase. They were identified as Happiness Essien, aged 19, and Mathew Akpan, aged 31. During the search, police recovered one automatic pump-action rifle, one locally fabricated shotgun, four machetes, and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, “ice” and cocaine. A generator was also among the items seized.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the arrests and said the suspects have been providing useful information to investigators. This cooperation, he stated, is aiding efforts to disrupt the alleged criminal network and to track down the fugitive kingpin.
Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reassured residents of sustained intelligence-led policing operations to combat violent crime and protect lives and property across the state. He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies to further enhance crime-fighting efforts.
The arrests and recovery of firearms come amid broader efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on armed robbery syndicates in the state, reflecting ongoing pressure on criminal elements through coordinated raids and patrols.
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