The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal elements, arresting seven suspects in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation targeting a hideout disguised as a church.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that, the operation was carried out at about 6:00 a.m. on April 8, 2026, following credible intelligence that suspected criminals were hibernating within the premises under the guise of religious activities in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area.
Acting swiftly on the information, operatives stormed the location and apprehended the suspects identified as Preacher Brain Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, Joy Elijah Okon, and Esther Elijah Okon.
According to the PPRO, a thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of several incriminating items, including two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, ten mobile phones, a police crest and jungle boots.
Other items included; a peak cap, machetes, a special forces vest, and several plate numbers; tools such as a saw blade, spanner, bottles of suspected spiritual oil, and enlarged photograph linked to an ongoing investigation.
Preliminary investigation suggested that, the location was being used as a front for criminal operations, raising concerns over the misuse of religious platforms for unlawful activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed a comprehensive investigation and intensified efforts to apprehend the principal suspect who is currently at large.
DSP Timfon John reiterated the Command’s warning to criminal elements, stressing that there will be no hiding place for offenders, regardless of the disguise adopted.
She also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information, assuring that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
