The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Ifiok Owoidem, over alleged armed robbery and recovered two locally made pistols, a cartridge and other items during an operation in Ifa Atai community, Uyo.

The arrest was carried out on Monday, October 19, 2026, by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), following intelligence that suspected armed robbers were allegedly terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and neighbouring communities.

The police said the operation was launched after the suspects were reportedly sighted brandishing weapons in circumstances that raised concerns about a possible attack on a member of the public.

Suspect Arrested in Hotel Hideout

According to the police, operatives acting on the intelligence moved to a hotel in Ifa Atai where the suspects were allegedly hiding.

The operation led to the arrest of Owoidem, an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The police said another suspect escaped during the operation and remained at large as of the time the statement was issued.

Pistols, Machetes Recovered

A search of the room occupied by the arrested suspect reportedly led to the recovery of the following items:

• Two locally made pistols.
• One expanded cartridge.
• Two machetes.
• Bottles containing substances suspected to be charms.

The police said the recovered items had been secured as exhibits while investigations continued.

Police Intensify Manhunt for Fleeing Suspect

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the operation in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare.

The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and investigate possible links to other criminal activities in the area.

Azare reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling armed robbery and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing, preventive operations and cooperation with residents.

The police urged members of the public to report suspicious movements, illegal possession of firearms and other activities that could threaten public safety.

The allegations against Owoidem have not been established in court.