Henshaw NYONG, Uyo.
In a series of recent operations, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made significant breakthroughs in combating crime, including the startling discovery of a private mortuary being used as an armory by a notorious kidnapping syndicate.
Addressing Crime Reporters yesterday at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, the Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, detailed the latest efforts and successes of the command in ensuring the safety and security of the state.
He divulged that through credible information and painstaking investigation, operatives of the command arrested Ubong Effiong Archibong, also known as “Condiment,” a wanted kidnapper responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings. The investigation, according to him, led to the recovery of an arsenal of firearms at a private mortuary in Ekeya, Okobo L.G.A. The recovered weapons, according to the police boss included two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, one double-barrel rifle, one single-barrel rifle, five magazines, and seven live rounds of ammunition.
CP Ayilara told newsmen that several other arrests and recoveries were made in separate operations. On July 20, 2024, Paul Samuel Edu, 44, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a National Youth Service Corps member in Ukana Iba village, Essien Udim LGA. The suspect reportedly threatened the victim with a machete, forced her into his room, and assaulted her.
In another operation, following the theft at the Ibom Tropicana Complex warehouse, police apprehended seven suspects, including Engr. Udofia Jonah and Ekaette I. Nkrok. They recovered 61 armoured doors and 42 timbers intended to be transported out of the state.
The CP further said that four suspects were arrested for burglarizing the Eastern Obolo General Hospital and stealing various items, including air conditioner compressors and plasma televisions.
In addition, a group of vandals from Rivers State was caught attempting to vandalize a transformer in Ika Local Government Area. The suspects, including Chinedu Divine Nweke and Kingsley James, confessed to previous crimes and were found in possession of vandalism tools.
The Police Commissioner revealed that Napiu Ibrahim, 19, and two others were arrested for stealing high-tension cables in Eastern Obolo L.G.A., with a bag of cables recovered from them. Furthermore, the police dismantled an armed robbery syndicate in Uyo, arresting five suspects and recovering stolen items, including a locally made pistol, televisions, a laptop, and mobile phones.
CP Ayilara said, on July 12, 2024, Daniel Edem Okon, 23, and Samaila Salisu, 20, were arrested for murdering a commercial motorcyclist and stealing his bike. The victim’s body was found in a shallow grave and has been moved to a morgue. In the same vein, Wisdom Jacob Udom and Timothy Edem Ekpenyong, members of the Vikings Confraternity, were arrested for robbery and attempted murder. Their weapons included machetes and a stolen tricycle.
He said the Police Command also cracked down on a child trafficking ring, arresting Eunice Eze, 56, for operating a baby factory in Owerri. Ten pregnant women were rescued during the operation, which involved stealing babies and pregnant women from Akwa Ibom State.
CP Ayilara used the occasion to praise the collaboration with the State government, sister security agencies, and public support for these achievements. He urged residents to continue providing credible information to help keep Akwa Ibom State safe.
“See something, say something, and the Police will immediately do something,” he concluded.
