POLICE ARREST SUSPECTED ROBBER AFTER ATTACK ON OFFICER IN AKWA IBOM

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber identified as Ini Mfon and recovered two locally made pistols and two machetes during an operation in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. The arrest followed a distress alert received by the police in the early hours of September 14, 2026, after a report of a violent attack at Ikot Ekweng Village in the area.

According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, police operatives on vehicular patrol were alerted by the Command Control Room at about 5am and immediately moved to the community. On arrival, they met an Inspector Henry, who alleged that he had been attacked by Mfon while the suspect was allegedly attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle.

The police said the suspect allegedly used a machete during the attack, leaving the inspector with an injury to his right hand. Following the report, operatives traced Mfon to his residence, where he was arrested. A subsequent search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes allegedly found in his possession.

The command said detectives had commenced investigations to establish the source of the recovered weapons and determine whether they had been used in previous criminal operations. Investigators are also examining whether the suspect has links with other criminal groups operating within Ibiono Ibom or other parts of the state. Mfon remains in police custody and is assisting with the investigation, while the recovered weapons have been secured as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved for their prompt response and professionalism. He said the command would continue intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and aggressive patrols aimed at recovering illegal firearms and dismantling criminal networks across Akwa Ibom. Azare also urged residents to provide credible information about suspicious activities and the movement of illegal firearms, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.