The police command in Akwa Ibom has arrested five suspects allegedly involved in terrorising residents of Ikot Ebido Oku and surrounding communities in Uyo and Ibesikpo LGAs.

The police’s spokeswoman, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended during separate operations.

The arrests were carried out on Saturday at about 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday at about 8:30 a.m., in Nkemba Street, Ikot Ebido Oku, and Ikot Mbou, respectively.

Ms John said a search conducted on one of the suspects at Nkemba Street led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, while a further arrest at Ibesikpo resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs.

Also, cash and other dangerous weapons from the remaining four suspects were recovered.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the premises served as a hub for illicit drug distribution and other criminal activities within the area,” she said.

She added that all suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing screening and interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for criminality, noting that the operations form part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal syndicates and restore public confidence.

She warned individuals involved in unlawful activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.

Ms John also said the commissioner of police, Baba Azare, has assured residents of sustained, intelligence-driven operations across the state.

She urged members of the public to support the police by providing timely, credible information, assuring that all tips would be treated with the utmost confidentiality. 

(NAN)