The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has foiled an armed robbery operation in Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, arrested one suspect identified as Edidiong Udoeyen and recovered a locally fabricated firearm found in his possession, while other gang members escaped.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Timfon John, and made available to journalists in Uyo, stated that the command responded to a distress call from the community and embarked on a stop-and-search operation in collaboration with vigilante groups along the Mayflower axis of Oron Road before the suspect was arrested.

The statement read in part:

“On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m., operatives of the Command deployed on stop-and-search duty along Mayflower axis of Oron Road, Uyo, swiftly responded to a distress call from a concerned resident of Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, reporting that suspected armed robbers were actively operating within the community.”

John said the police operatives mobilised to the robbery scene and, alongside members of the vigilante group, combed the community, leading to the arrest of Edidiong Udoeyen with a locally made gun.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police operatives mobilised to the scene where they collaborated with vigilant members of the community youth to cordon off and comb the affected area.

“The coordinated operation led to the arrest of one suspect identified as Edidiong Udoeyen, while a medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was recovered from his possession.”

John disclosed that the command had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects to ensure they are brought to justice, while the arrested suspect, who is in police custody, will be subjected to investigations to ascertain the extent of his involvement in the crime.

“Other members of the criminal gang fled the scene upon sighting the police.

“However, the Command has immediately launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.

“The arrested suspect is currently in police custody and will be subjected to a thorough investigation to establish his level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities, as well as identify and dismantle the criminal network.”

She explained that the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their courage and vigilance, as well as the timely intervention of community members, whose prompt information contributed to the success of the operation.

John said the Commissioner of Police also assured residents of the community that the command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue to sustain intelligence-led and proactive policing strategies aimed at denying criminals any haven within the state.

“The Commissioner therefore urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, assuring them that all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.” (The Sun)

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