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Police arrest 26-year-old suspect during intelligence-led operation in Ifa Atai.
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Two locally made pistols, an expanded cartridge and two machetes recovered.
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One other suspect remains at large as police intensify manhunt.
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Police urge residents to report suspicious movements and illegal possession of firearms.
October 20, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom Police Command says it has arrested a 26-year-old suspected armed robber and recovered two locally made pistols, a cartridge and two machetes during an intelligence-led operation in Ifa Atai community, as the police intensify efforts to curb violent crime in the state.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) on Monday, October 19, 2026, also led to the recovery of bottles containing substances suspected to be charms, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on Tuesday.
The police said the operation followed credible intelligence alleging that suspected armed robbers had been terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and neighbouring communities.
According to the statement, the suspects were reportedly sighted brandishing weapons in circumstances that raised fears of an imminent attack on an unsuspecting member of the public.
Acting on the information, the operatives moved to a hotel in Ifa Atai where the suspects were allegedly hiding and smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one Ifiok Owoidem, 26, an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
A search of the room occupied by the suspect reportedly yielded two locally made pistols, one expanded cartridge, two machetes and bottles containing substances suspected to be charms.
The police said another suspect escaped and remained at large as of the time the statement was issued, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and identify other individuals who might be connected to the alleged criminal activities.
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The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s determination to tackle armed robbery and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and strategic deployment of personnel.
In a chat with our Correspondent, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the arrest and recovery of the weapons demonstrated the command’s commitment to responding swiftly to credible intelligence and preventing criminal attacks.
John said the command would sustain efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect and investigate the case, while urging residents to provide timely and credible information that could assist the police in identifying and dismantling criminal networks.
She called on residents of Ifa Atai and other communities across the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, illegal possession of firearms and other activities capable of threatening public safety.
The police advised members of the public to channel useful information through the nearest police station or established police reporting channels.
The Command assured residents that the fight against armed robbery and other violent crimes remained a priority, urging them to continue their lawful activities while cooperating with security agencies to sustain peace and security across Akwa Ibom State.
