IBENO / UYO — Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have launched a series of intelligence-led tactical raids across the state, arresting 15 suspected cultists in the coastal community of Ibeno and apprehending an armed robbery suspect during a hotel swoop in Uyo.
The operations, executed under the direct directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reflect an intensified campaign to dismantle criminal networks, combat cult activity, and eradicate illicit drug hubs across Akwa Ibom State.
Coastal Sweep in Ibeno Yields Arrests and Recoveries
In the coastal axis, police teams from the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters executed a targeted raid on criminal hideouts and identified black spots in Atia coastal village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, stated that the operation was conducted following credible intelligence supplied by vigilant local residents.
“The raid was ordered by Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, as part of sustained state-wide efforts to tackle cultism, drug offences, and maritime-related crime. Operatives targeted notorious hideouts, resulting in the apprehension of 15 suspects,” DSP John stated.
Among those apprehended during the raid were key individuals identified as:
- Ubong Dominic (35), alias “Don Sars”, an indigene of Esit Eket LGA.
- Ndifreke Paul (29), alias “Black Satan”, an indigene of Onna LGA.
- Etim Oboho (46), an indigene of Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA.
Preliminary interrogations revealed that suspects confessed to active membership in rival cult groups, specifically the Vikings and Iceland confraternities. During the search of the hideouts, police operatives recovered items including stolen outboard boat engines, suspected illicit drugs, and various dangerous items.
Uyo Hotel Operation Neutralizes Robbery Gang Hideout
Concurrently, in the state capital, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out a swift operation in the Ifa Atai community of Uyo Local Government Area following intelligence regarding an armed robbery gang terrorizing local residents.
Operatives stormed a hotel in Ifa Atai where gang members were reportedly hiding out. The operation led to the arrest of Ifiok Owoidem (26), an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien in Essien Udim LGA. A subsequent search of the suspect’s hotel room yielded two locally made pistols, live cartridges, machetes, and charms.
The police command confirmed that a manhunt is actively underway to track down fleeing accomplices linked to the gang. CP Baba Azare reiterated that the command will sustain its aggressive, intelligence-led posture to ensure all 31 local government areas remain safe for residents and business activities.
