Akwa Ibom Command arrests 104 suspected criminals

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr Zubairu Muazu has revealed that a total of 104 suspects were arrested for various offences in the state, ranging from cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, stealing of children, children trafficking, amongst other crimes.

According to him, most of the suspects had been to charge to court, while others are still under investigations.

Speaking to journalists, Muazu explained that the last two months had been quite eventful and peaceful.

His words: “We witness peaceful parties’ primaries across the state. Armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, child stealing/selling, rape and other heinous crimes were tackled head on. It was indeed a battle fought and won with the support of the good people of Akwa Ibom State.”

He said that the command was determined to sustain the tempo in crime fighting and protection of lives and property.

He added: “Our efforts in crime bursting have been intensified through our community policing drive, intensive Stop and Search, vehicular and foot patrols and of course ‘Operation Purge.’”

 Speaking on the crisis ridden communities of Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo council areas of the state, Muazu said: “My decision to temporary relocate the operational base of our Special Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism Units to identified flashpoints in Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo and Onna, yielded positive results as 15 kidnappers and 20 cultists were arrested and charged to court.”

The police boss revealed that two AK47 rifles, with three magazines and 18 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operations.

“One Assault rifle, two Pump Action Rifles, one Berretta pistols, with eight rounds of live ammunition, eight locally made pistols and one single barrel gun with 12 live carriages were recovered. We also recovered one Toyota Avalon car, one Lexus Jeep, one Toyota Corolla and one Toyota Camry,” said Muazu.

Muazu further said that a cash sum of N2,870,00 was recovered during the operations.

He disclosed: “Just yesterday, our Special Anti-Kidnapping team arrested four  kidnappers at Etim Ekpo and recovered two locally made pistols.”

Muazu acknowledged that public trust and confidence in the police had improved tremendously. He also said that the large flow of information from members of the public has been unprecedented.