Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it arrested no fewer than 54 suspected criminals and recovered a minimum of 50 arms and ammunition and rescued three kidnapped victims in the past six weeks.
The commissioner of police, Mr Baba Azare, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing held at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo,
The commissioner also said the police apprehended one Alexander Ben Peter, who allegedly murdered own 71-year-old mother, Mrs Atiny Ben Peter with a machete.
He said the suspect was arrested on June 10, even as the investigation is ongoing to unravel the remote cause of the crime.
“The gruesome incident occurred in Ikot Inyang Village, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, where the suspect reportedly used the machete to hack his mother to death.
“The command is working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the motive behind the heinous crime,” he said.
Azare also announced some other breakthroughs of the police during the period in review to include the arrest of five suspected cultists in Ikot Etuk village in Ibesikpo Asutan area council where a locally made pistol and items suspected to be charms were recovered and suspects identified as Utibe Edem Asuquo, Godwin Edet Edem, Usen Edem Eyo, Aniebiet Edet Edem, and Anthony Dominic Edem were arrested.
“In another operation, the police arrested a suspected notorious vandal, Salvation Emmanuel Jim, who specialised in vandalising school structures. The suspect was apprehended on May 26, 2025, at Bishop Clarks Central Primary School, Abak Local Government Area,” he added.
He assured the public that the Command will continue to remain tough, smart, and focused in its efforts to tackle crime and ensure the safety of citizens.
“Any individual or group intent on threatening the peace of this peaceful and united State should know that we are watching, and we will strike decisively,” he said.
Azare therefore called on members of the public to volunteer information about these incidents or any other crime to assist the police in their investigations.
“The Command is committed to building trust with the community and working together to prevent crime.
“Over the past month, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has demonstrated total commitment to policing with integrity, strategy, and resolve.
“We have dismantled cult cells, crushed burglary syndicates, thwarted kidnappers, repelled pirates, and intercepted vandals and robbers. Let this serve as a clear message: Akwa Ibom is no haven for criminals.
“This command under my watch will continue to remain tough, smart, and focused. Any individual or group intent on threatening the peace of this peaceful and united State should know that we are watching, and we will strike decisively.
We urge the public to continue providing actionable information. Together, we will consolidate our gains and deepen community trust in the Force,” Azare said.
