Over the past few months, life has not been easy with criminal elements in Akwa Ibom, as the State Police Command has stepped up its onslaught against hoodlums, recording a string of major breakthroughs in recent weeks.

From dismantling a car-theft syndicate to nabbing a notorious kidnap kingpin and smashing armed robbery gangs, the Command says its renewed operations are geared toward restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.

Car Theft Syndicate Dismantled

In one of the biggest operations yet, operatives of the Command busted a car-theft syndicate believed to have stolen no fewer than nine vehicles across Akwa Ibom.

The breakthrough followed the arrest of a prime suspect, Otoabasi George Ime, 42, from Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA, whose confession led to a trail of coordinated arrests.

Others in the network included: Uwem Okon Umoh, alleged mastermind and fabricator; Umoh Joseph Essien, the syndicate’s mechanic; Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, in charge of electrical rewiring; Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, a buyer of stolen vehicles; and Peter Madu Abuchi, responsible for cash transfers.

Items recovered during searches included; nine vehicle number plates, army camouflage fabric, FRSC reflective jackets, face caps and falsified vehicle documents.

Police Commissioner, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the swift work of investigators, pledging that more stolen vehicles and criminal tools would be recovered as investigations deepen.

Kidnap Kingpin Falls After Months on the Run:

The Command also recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping with the arrest of Okon Asuquo Udo, a suspected kidnap kingpin from Ube village, Okobo LGA.

Udo, who had evaded arrest for months, was implicated in several high-profile abductions, including the kidnap of a Paramount Ruler in October 2024 and the abduction of the wife of an Executive Chairman in November 2024.

He was eventually tracked down and captured on August 13, 2025, following credible intelligence. Police say discreet investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and recover weapons of operation.

Armed Robbery Syndicate Neutralized:

In another successful operation, the Police dismantled a three-man armed robbery syndicate responsible for a series of dawn attacks across Uyo metropolis.

The gang had terrorized residents on August 12, 2025, when a 32 year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint during her morning walk along Believers Assembly Road, Udo Udoma Avenue.

Swift investigations led to the arrest of Ubong Michael Patrick, 27, of Ibiono Ibom LGA, who confessed and led operatives to his accomplices: Ibrahim Kanu, 20, from Adamawa State, and Nazipi Dahiru, 25, from Gombe State.

Recovered items included a black operational motorcycle, a locally-made pistol, and a long dagger knife. Investigations revealed the stolen phones were being packaged and transported to Kano State for resale.

Command Reassures Citizens:

Police Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John has from time to time reassured the citizenry of safety, and protection of their lives and properties as the Command lives no stone unturned.

She said, the latest breakthroughs underscore the Command’s determination to rid Akwa Ibom of crime syndicates, and urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements and support security efforts.

Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare is not alone in the fight to make Akwa Ibom State a safe heaven for businesses to thrive, as he is working with sister security agencies to bring crime waves to nearly zero level.

While reaffirming the Police Command’s commitment to making Akwa Ibom one of the safest states in Nigeria, stated that , “These successes are only the beginning. We are intensifying operations, and criminals must know there is no hiding place in Akwa Ibom State.”