Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a suspected armed robber, Ifiok Owoidem, during an operation at a hotel in Uyo. Officers also recovered two locally made pistols, machetes and other items from him.
The Akwa Ibom police arrest followed an intelligence report linking the suspect to alleged robbery attacks in Ifa Atai and neighbouring communities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrest in a statement. She said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out the operation on October 19, 2026.
How Akwa Ibom Police Arrested the Suspect
According to the police, operatives received credible intelligence about suspected robbers allegedly terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and nearby communities.
The officers immediately moved to a hotel in the area where the suspects were reportedly hiding. Police alleged that the suspects were also smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The operation led to the arrest of Owoidem, 26, from Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
However, another suspect reportedly escaped and remains at large. The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Items Recovered During the Operation
Police said officers recovered several items from the arrested suspect. They include:
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Two locally made pistols
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One expended cartridge
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Two machetes
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Bottles containing substances suspected to be charms
The police have not disclosed further details about the suspect’s alleged role in the reported robbery incidents.
Police Vow to Intensify Crime-Fighting Efforts
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities.
He said the command would continue to rely on intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and strategic deployment of officers.
The police also called for sustained cooperation with members of the public to help prevent crime and apprehend suspects.
The Akwa Ibom police arrest is part of the command’s efforts to respond to reports of criminal activity in the state. The search for the second suspect continues.