The Akwa Ibom State Police Command apprehended 562 suspects for various criminal offenses in the last quarter of 2023, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olatoye Durosinmi, announced at a news conference on Saturday in Uyo.
He said that the command’s operatives arrested the suspects for a range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, and stealing. Durosinmi indicated that some suspects have faced court proceedings, with some granted bail and others still under investigation.
He added that the crimes included pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage, with one Godwin Ita Effiong and four others arrested for vandalising a pipeline belonging to Frontier Oil, stealing 18 jerry cans of 25 litres of crude oil on Nov. 18.
Also, during the period under review, the command busted an armed robbery gang, involving Francis Eze and Johnson Amadu, who allegedly robbed a Point of Sale (POS) operator, Glory Akpan, and fled with her POS machine, Android phone, and N300,000.
Additionally, one Samuel Jackson and Favour Friday were arrested for the alleged abduction of a three-year-old child belonging to Effiong Akpan. Investigations revealed the child was sold to a woman in Abia State via a third party. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and rescue the child.
Durosinmi said he deployed 1,758 officers and men during the yuletide to ensure security for Christmas celebrations, resulting in a peaceful observance.
He also credited improved security strategies and collaboration with sister security agencies for maintaining peace in Akwa Ibom, noting that the procurement of 14 gunboats by the state government for the Nigerian Navy, aimed to reduce maritime crimes significantly.
Sending a stern warning, the Commissioner cautioned criminals to desist or relocate as the state would no longer be a haven for unlawful activities. (NAN)