Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended two suspected arms dealers as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and illegal arms circulation across the state.
The suspects, identified as Udeme Udo, 52, and Nkereuwem Udo, 40, were arrested in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area on May 8, 2026, at about 4:25am following actionable intelligence.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Uyo by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.
According to the statement, investigations carried out so far indicate that the suspects are allegedly linked to a criminal network involved in supplying weapons and ammunition to criminals operating in Ikot Ekpene and surrounding communities.
The statement read in part, “The police command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against criminal elements and illegal arms proliferation within the state.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command on May 8, 2026, at about 0425hrs, successfully arrested two suspects identified as Udeme Udo, 52, and Nkereuwem Udo, 40.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a criminal network allegedly involved in the supply of arms and ammunition to criminals operating within Ikot Ekpene and its environs.
“Upon a thorough search conducted on the suspects, one locally made revolver pistol was recovered from their possession.”
Reiterating the command’s resolve to tackle criminal networks and illegal firearms distribution, the statement noted that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned those involved in unlawful possession and trafficking of weapons to desist immediately or face prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and cutting off the supply channels of illegal arms fuelling violent crimes across the state.
“He warned all individuals involved in unlawful possession, trafficking, and distribution of firearms to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.
“He further directed sustained intelligence-driven operations, raids, and surveillance across identified black spots and criminal flashpoints within the state.”