Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a 42-year-old man who allegedly stormed a palace with a locally manufactured pistol in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday.

According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Bassey Udo Idiong, was arrested on July 1, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. following a distress call.

The police spokesperson said operatives acted on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised to the scene, disarmed the suspect and recovered the locally made pistol.

The statement read in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success in its sustained campaign against criminality with the arrest of a suspected armed criminal and the recovery of a locally made pistol in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

“On 1st July, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., a distress report was relayed from the Command Control Room, Uyo, from one man (name withheld) that one Bassey Udo Idiong, a 42-year-old male from the same community, had stormed his palace armed with a locally made pistol and threatened to shoot him.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command mobilised immediately to the scene. The suspect was professionally disarmed without incident and taken into custody, while the locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit.

“The prompt response of the Police not only prevented what could have resulted in a tragic loss of life but also underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to responding decisively to every credible security threat within the state.”

John said the suspect was in police custody. At the same time, a discreet investigation had commenced to determine the source of the recovered firearm, establish the motive behind the alleged act and identify any accomplices or criminal networks linked to the suspect.

She added that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, had commended the officers for their professionalism and prompt intervention.

She said the commissioner reiterated the command’s “commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing and targeted operations aimed at eliminating illegal firearms, violent criminals and other forms of criminality across the state.”

While emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility, Azare urged residents to support the police with timely, credible and actionable information, assuring them that all reports would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

The commissioner also warned criminal elements that there would be no hiding place for anyone seeking to disrupt the peace and security of Akwa Ibom State, adding that the command remained resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property. (PUNCH)

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