Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Two Pistols, Machetes in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered two locally made pistols and two machetes in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest followed a distress alert received by police operatives during the early hours of September 14, 2026, after a reported violent attack at Ikot Ekweng Village.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Uyo.

According to John, operatives on vehicular patrol were directed by the Command Control Room to respond to the incident at about 5am. On arrival, they met an Inspector Henry, who alleged that he had been attacked by a man identified as Ini Mfon.

The suspect allegedly attacked the police officer with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle. The attack reportedly left the officer with an injury to his right hand.

Police operatives subsequently traced the suspect to his residence, where he was arrested. A search of the premises allegedly led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes.

The police said detectives were investigating the source of the weapons and determining whether they had been used in previous crimes or if the suspect had links to other criminal groups within or outside Ibiono Ibom.

The suspect remains in police custody and is assisting with the investigation, while the recovered weapons have been secured as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved for their prompt response and professionalism. He said the command would continue intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and patrols aimed at recovering illegal firearms and disrupting criminal networks across the state.

Azare also urged residents to report suspicious activities and the movement of illegal firearms to the police, assuring them that credible information would be treated confidentially.