The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during an operation in Uyo, the state capital.
The arrest followed a distress call received at about 10:30 p.m. on June 27 from a resident of Ikot Okubo, who reported the activities of suspected armed robbers in the area.
According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, the suspect was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation around the Mayflower axis of Oron Road.
She said police operatives immediately mobilised to the area, cordoned off the scene and conducted a coordinated search in collaboration with members of the community.
The police spokesperson added that other members of the suspected gang fled on sighting the operatives, prompting the command to launch a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
“The command has commenced a thorough investigation to determine the suspect’s level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities and to identify and dismantle the criminal network,” she said.
John reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.
She assured residents that the command would remain resolute in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.