The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says she has intensified its crackdown on crime and criminal activities in the state, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects involved in burglary, child trafficking, and illicit drug trade, among other criminal activities.
Addressing journalists while parading the suspects at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, reiterated the Command’s commitment to making the state unsafe for criminals.
According to her, on January 20, 2025, police operatives apprehended two burglary suspects, Moses Godwin Ndiong and Abraham Godwill Eshiet, in Eket Local Government Area. Their arrest followed a complaint about a break-in at an apartment. The suspects were found with burglary tools, and stolen items recovered included several smart TVs, a generator, home appliances, an automobile, and valuable personal belongings.
In another burglary case, operatives arrested Abasifreke Essien James on January 21, 2025, for breaking into a church in Uyo. Items recovered included a Tiger generator, a hammer, and spanners.
Further raids on January 26 in Ibeno led to the arrest of Shamsudeen Ibrahim, suspected of stealing iron protectors, an aluminum window frame, and roofing sheets.
The Command made a breakthrough in a child trafficking case reported in June 2024. A woman, Christiana Uwem Ibanga, and her accomplice, Inyene Etuk Akpan, were arrested in Abuja on January 14, 2025, for allegedly abducting and selling a six-year-old girl in Aba, Abia State. Investigations revealed that the suspects had previously sold their own child for ₦450,000. Police efforts to locate the trafficked child are ongoing, with significant progress made in tracking the buyers.
A series of coordinated raids have disrupted illicit drug activities across the state:
January 26: A sting operation at black spots in Odoro Ikot Clan led to the arrest of three female suspects—Happiness Malachi George, Queen Sambo Umoren, and Joy Chima. They were found in possession of Indian hemp and a jackknife.
January 27: A raid in Ikot Udota Village, Eket, resulted in the arrest of Mfon Akpan, who was found with substances suspected to be cocaine, Indian hemp, and other intoxicants.
January 26: In Oron, suspected cultist Benjamin Effiong Frank, alias “Sanko,” was apprehended with cannabis. He confessed to being a member of the proscribed Junior Vikings cult.
January 27: In Nkap Village, Ikot Ekpene, police arrested two suspected drug dealers, Etimbuk Michael Okon, and Victor Antai, with Canadian heroin and “Ice.” Investigations point to a Benin-based drug supplier.
During a stop-and-search operation on January 19 along Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road, police intercepted Abraham Prince Johnson with suspected counterfeit U.S. dollar notes and hard drugs. The suspect failed to provide a credible explanation and will be arraigned in court.
On January 20, police arrested six individuals linked to a tricycle theft ring. The stolen tricycle, which had been disassembled, was recovered. Investigations revealed that the prime suspect, Ubong Dominic Ekong, had stolen the vehicle on January 17 before attempting to sell it.
DSP Timfon John emphasized that under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare, the Command remains resolute in its fight against crime. “Akwa Ibom is too hot for criminals. You have two options—turn a new leaf or leave. If you choose to stay, the Command will find you and bring you to justice,” he declared.
The police urged residents to provide credible intelligence while assuring them of confidentiality. “Together, we will make this state too hot for criminals to thrive,” DSP John concluded.
