Police command in Akwa Ibom has arrested a suspected armed robbery in Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, in its sustained campaign against violent crimes and criminal elements across the state.

The command, in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the arrest followed a distress call by a concerned resident of the community on Saturday.

“On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m., operatives of the Command deployed on stop-and-search duty along Mayflower axis of Oron Road, Uyo, swiftly responded to a distress call from a concerned resident of Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, reporting that suspected armed robbers were actively operating within the community,” Mr John stated. 

The command explained that the police operatives mobilised to the scene where they collaborated with vigilant members of the community youth to cordon off and comb the affected area following credible intelligence.

It added, “The coordinated operation led to the arrest of one suspect identified as Edidiong Udoeyen, while a medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was recovered from his possession.”

Noting that other other members of the criminal gang fled the scene upon sighting the police, the command said it had immediately launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.

It stated that the arrested suspect is currently in police custody and will be subjected to a thorough investigation to establish his level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities, as well as identify and dismantle the criminal network.

Police commissioner, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the courage, vigilance, and timely intervention of members of the community whose prompt information greatly aided the success of the operation. 

Mr Azare urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring them that all information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.