The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, identified as Ifiok Owoidem, over his alleged involvement in armed robbery activities in Uyo, the state capital.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at a hotel in the Ifa Atai area following intelligence linking him and other suspected criminals to robbery incidents in the community and neighbouring areas.
The police disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on October 19, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., after security operatives received credible information about suspected armed robbers allegedly terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and its surrounding communities.
The police said the suspects were reportedly sighted brandishing weapons in what was suspected to be an attempt to attack an unsuspecting member of the public.
Acting on the intelligence, operatives reportedly moved to an identified hotel where the suspects were allegedly hiding and smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The operation led to the arrest of Owoidem, an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
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Items recovered during the operation included two locally made pistols, one expanded cartridge, two machetes and bottles containing substances suspected to be charms.
However, the police disclosed that another suspect escaped and is currently being sought by security operatives.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and strategic deployment of personnel.
He also emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the police and members of the public in the fight against crime.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities and maintaining peace across Akwa Ibom State.
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