Police Arrest Suspected Robber in Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested a suspected armed robber and seized a locally made gun during an operation in Uyo, the state capital.

The police's Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, shared this news in a statement on Monday.

John said the suspect, named Edidiong Udoeyen, was arrested on Saturday after residents called to report that robbers were active in Ikot Okubo Village in Uyo Local Government Area.

According to the PPRO, police officers on stop-and-search duty along the Mayflower area of Oron Road got the call around 10:30 PM and quickly moved to the community.

They worked with community youths to block off and search the area, which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of a medium-sized locally made firearm.

"On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at about 10:30 PM, operatives of the Command on stop-and-search duty along the Mayflower axis of Oron Road, Uyo, promptly 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.

"Acting quickly on the information, the police mobilised to the scene where they teamed up with vigilant community youths to block off and search the affected area.

"This coordinated operation led to the arrest of one suspect known as Edidiong Udoeyen, while a medium-sized locally made firearm was found in his possession," the statement said.

John added that other suspected gang members ran away when they saw the police, and a manhunt is now on to catch the escaping suspects.

The PPRO mentioned that the arrested suspect is in police custody and will face a thorough investigation to find out how involved he is in the alleged crimes and to identify other gang members.

John also noted that the state’s Commissioner of Police praised community members for their quick information that helped make the operation successful.

"He emphasizes that effective policing depends on a strong relationship between the police and the public," the statement continued.

The commissioner assured residents that the police will keep using smart strategies to prevent criminals from having a safe place in the state.

He called on the public to keep giving useful information to security agencies, promising that all tips will be treated with the highest confidentiality.