Akwa Ibom Police arrest notorious gun runner, recover arms, ammunition

Stanley Ihedigbo

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety.

According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph O. Eribo, the Command has made notable achievements in the areas of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and child stealing.

Recently, the Command foiled a kidnap attempt along the Ikot Ekpene/Uyo Highway, arresting one suspect and recovering a cut-to-size AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and other items. In another operation, the police arrested a notorious gun runner and recovered several newly made guns, pistols, and other arms.

The Command has also made progress in combating armed robbery and cultism, arresting several suspects and recovering stolen vehicles, firearms, and other items.

Additionally, the police have rescued five children who were stolen by a suspect, who was later arrested.

CP Eribo assured residents of Akwa Ibom State that the Command will continue to intensify its efforts against crime and stand firm in its duty to protect lives and property.

According to the CP, these successes, reflected the dedication of the command officers and men, and their commitment to proactive policing, collaboration with sister security agencies, and community engagement.

He explained that on November 27th, operatives of the Command, while on patrol along Ikot Ekpene/Uyo Highway, received a distress call from a woman (name withheld) reporting that some armed men were attempting to kidnap her husband.

Acting swiftly on the information received, the operatives of the Command rushed to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the armed assailants opened fire in a bid to escape, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the hoodlums. During the gun duel, one suspect was neutralized, while others fled the scene on a motorcycle. The following items recovered are, One cut-to-size AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition, one empty shell, one bag containing substances suspected to be charms and one business card bearing the name of a certain individual. Investigation is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

“Based on credible information at the Command’s disposal, operatives stormed a gun-making factory where firearms of various makes were fabricated and sold to criminals. During the operation, one David Nse Emmanuel, was arrested, while his father, Akpan Nse Emmanuel and his brothers, who jointly run the business, fled. The following items recovered are, seven newly made single-barrel guns, five newly made double-barrel guns, one special steel double-trigger pistol, one broken single-barrel gun and one trigger-handle walking stick knife. Several cut iron pipes used for constructing gun barrels. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and trace those who purchased or ordered firearms from them,” he further said.

CP Eribo added that November 29th, based on credible information, operatives of the Command, while on patrol along Ibesikpo Asutan, intercepted suspected motorcycle robbers.

“When accosted by the police, the suspects fled but were pursued. One Otobong Joseph Peter, 27, who was carrying a bag, was arrested. Upon searching the bag, a locally made single-barrel pistol was found. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices. Also based on credible information at the Command’s disposal, operatives investigated a report that the Akwa Ibom Royal Entertainment Center at Ibom Tropicana Complex was burgled by unknown hoodlums. One Solomon Edet Essien was arrested, and items such as doors, window frames, glasses, and electrical fittings were recovered.

” Arrest of serial car snatcher, on 25th October, information at the Command’s disposal led to the recovery of a black Toyota Corolla car, registration number ETN 674AA, suspected to have been stolen. Acting swiftly , operatives of the Command arrested one Kingsley Ernest Nelson, 38. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been previously charged to court twice and remanded for similar offenses. He confessed to starting his car-stealing operations in 2017, collaborating with partners based in Rivers State. The following items recovered, one Toyota Sienna car with registration number DUU 692NZ, one Toyota Rav4 jeep with registration number ETN 676AA (colored white), master keys used to unlock vehicles forcefully and six fake car documents. Investigations are ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles.

” On October 24th, a man (name withheld) reported via a distress call that he was attacked by three armed men wearing black masks while driving his black Toyota Camry car. The armed men fired sporadically, dragged him out of the vehicle, and drove off. Operatives of the Command traced the suspects to Aba, Abia State, and arrested five individuals, Clement Ime Okon, Thomas Effiong, Joseph Okon Edem , Saviour Agbor and Matthew Elijah Stephen. The stolen car was recovered at a car stand where it was being negotiated for sale. Further investigation led to the recovery of three locally made pistols and charms. The suspects will have their day in court, ” he stressed.

The state police boss further added on the November 12th, the Command received a distress call from one man (name withheld) that one Unyime Emmanuel Edet, aka “Mkpọkpọrọ” and his gang blocked him on the road and ordered him to join their “Red Skin” secret cult after collecting his two itel android phones and also went to his house and made away with his Fireman generator, threatening that if he does not pay the sum of N200,000.00, he will know no peace.

“Operatives of the Command swung into action immediately and arrested the following suspects, Unyime Emmanuel Edet, Idongesit Sunday Eduok, Daniel Dominic Albert, Eyaketin Stephen Dan and items recovered from them are, one locally made pistol, operational motorcycle and substance suspected to be cocaine. Suspects will have their day in court.

“On October 25th, the Command received a distress call from a youth leader of a particular community that a group of armed robbers had invaded the residence of one woman (name withheld), a POS operator, and robbed her of her business money and other valuables. The operatives swung into action and arrested one Joshua Sunday Linus, one Isaac Edem Archibong, and one Christian Anthony Archibong . Investigation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol with an expended cartridge, including a quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspects will have their day in court.

“On November 14th, the Command received a distress call from one woman (name withheld), who reported that five of her children had been taken away by an unknown man on a motorcycle. The Command’s operatives immediately swung into action in the company of villagers from Mbiakpan Ikot Idim and Obio Ibiono. The suspect, one Promise Boniface, was given a hot chase and arrested at Obio Ibiono. The five children were rescued unhurt and reunited with their parents. The motorcycle used by the suspect in committing the crime was recovered,” he stated.