The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Bassey Udo Idiong, for allegedly threatening to shoot a traditional ruler with a locally made pistol in Essien Udim Local Government Area. The suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday following a distress call reporting that he had stormed the monarch's palace armed with the weapon.
Arrest and Recovery of Weapon
In a statement released on Friday, the state police spokesperson, Timfon John, confirmed that a locally made pistol was recovered from the suspect. The police control room received a distress call at about 9:00 p.m. on 1 July from an individual whose identity was withheld. The caller reported that Idiong, a 42-year-old male from the same community, had entered the palace armed and threatened to shoot the traditional ruler.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene. According to the statement, "Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command mobilised to the scene. The suspect was professionally disarmed without incident and taken into custody, while the locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit." The command noted that the intervention prevented what could have resulted in a tragic loss of life.
Investigation Underway
The police stated that the suspect will remain in custody while detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are working to determine the source of the recovered firearm, establish the motive behind the alleged threat, and identify any accomplices linked to the suspect. The command added that Idiong would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
Broader Context of Police Operations
This arrest is part of a series of police operations targeting violent crime, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms across Akwa Ibom State. On 17 June, Premium Times reported that police arrested three suspects for alleged armed robbery and cultism in separate operations in Abak Local Government Area, recovering firearms and other exhibits. Earlier, on 15 June, police arrested a suspected drug dealer during a raid in Itu Local Government Area, which also led to the arrest of two suspects linked to a stolen tricycle and the recovery of suspected methamphetamine, a toy firearm, and ritual-related items.
On 1 June, police recovered a locally made pistol and a cache of substances suspected to be cannabis during an intelligence-led operation in Ibeno Local Government Area. Although no arrests were made, the command said the recovered items were believed to be linked to criminal activities and pledged to track down those responsible.
