The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the proactive and results-driven leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has recorded a major operational success in its sustained fight against violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating in Ikot Ekpene and surrounding Local Government Areas.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command on Saturday, 8th February 2026, at about 0830 hours, carried out a swift, intelligence-led operation that led to the raid of the gang’s hideout at Ikot Otu Village, Ikot Ekpene LGA.
A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammad Azare said during the operation, one Elijah Akpan (male), aged 48, was arrested.
A search of the suspect resulted in the recovery of four (4) expended cartridges and two (2) Special Protection Unit (SPU) police badges, strongly indicating criminal impersonation and an attempt to disguise as law enforcement personnel to perpetrate violent crimes.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another gang member, Nsikak Udo (male), aged 32, of the same address, identified as the custodian of the firearm used by the syndicate.Items recovered include:
• One (1) single-barrel gun • Eight (8) expended cartridges
• Three (3) small containers containing gun powder
• Other materials used for the illegal reloading of cartridges
The Command views the illegal possession of police badges and locally reloaded ammunition as a serious threat to public safety, highlighting the syndicate’s intent to deceive, intimidate, and unleash violence within the community.
Both suspects are currently in custody, while intensive investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network, trace the source of the firearm and ammunition, and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reassured residents that Akwa Ibom State will not be a safe haven for criminals, warning criminal elements that aggressive, intelligence-driven operations and targeted raids will continue across the State.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, as security remains a shared responsibility.
