The Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested six suspected members of a criminal gang. They also recovered two locally made shotguns, ammunition, and six motorcycles believed to be stolen. This happened during coordinated operations across four local government areas in the state.
The arrests took place in Ikono, Ini, Obot Akara, and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas. This followed intelligence received by the police on September 5, 2026, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.
In a statement released to journalists on Friday in Uyo, the state capital, John explained that the intelligence showed that the gang was operating from Ikono Local Government Area. They were reportedly moving towards Ini to carry out a robbery.
The statement said, "The Akwa Ibom State Police has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks terrorizing communities across Ikono, Ini, Obot Akara, and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas. This includes the arrest of six suspected members of a notorious criminal gang and the recovery of firearms, live and spent cartridges, and motorcycles suspected to have been stolen."
According to the police, their operatives chased the gang to the Akwa Ibom-Abia State border. They intercepted and arrested three gang members, including the alleged ringleader. One suspect managed to escape.
The police added that further investigations and interrogations led to the arrest of three more suspects, bringing the total to six.
The suspects were named as Gideon Udoh, 23, also known as "Holy Water Blood" from Mbiabong Ukana Ikot Etefia Village, Ikono LGA; Martins Udo, 36, from Mbiabong Ikot Etefia Village, Ikono LGA; and Bassey Ukpong, 22, also known as "Ekpor", from the same village.
Other suspects include Aniebiet Dominic, 25, also known as "Two Second" from Itak Ikot Akpan Ndem Village, Ikono LGA; David Idaha, 32, also known as "Black" from Nung Ukim Village, Ikono LGA; and Joseph Udo, 25, who the police described as the gang's alleged technical operative.
The police said initial investigations linked the suspects to armed robbery, kidnapping, car snatching, rape, cult activities, drug dealing, extortion, and attempted murder in Akwa Ibom and other states.
The items recovered include two locally made shotguns, two live cartridges, three spent cartridges, and six motorcycles believed to be stolen.
"After a determined pursuit, our operatives successfully intercepted and arrested three gang members, including the alleged ringleader, at a border community between Akwa Ibom and Abia States. One other suspect escaped during the operation."
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised the officers for their bravery and professionalism.
Azare emphasized that there will be no safe place for armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists, extortionists, and other criminals in Akwa Ibom State. He said the command would keep using intelligence-driven policing and working with other agencies.
He also urged the public to stay alert and share any suspicious activities, promising that such information would be kept confidential. "I commend the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism. I call on the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information on suspicious persons, movements, and criminal activities within their communities. This information will be treated with the necessary confidentiality," he said.
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