The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during an operation in Uyo, the state capital. Police spokesperson Timfon John, a deputy superintendent of police, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Uyo.
Arrest Following Distress Call
Ms John said the arrest followed a distress call received at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday from a resident of Ikot Okubo Village in Uyo Local Government Area, who reported that suspected armed robbers were operating in the community. Operatives on stop-and-search duty along the Mayflower axis of Oron Road responded immediately to the alert.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers teamed up with community youths to cordon off and comb the area, leading to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Edidiong Udoeyen. A medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was recovered from the suspect. Other members of the suspected gang fled on sighting the police, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Investigation and Police Appeal
“The arrested suspect is currently in police custody and will be subjected to a thorough investigation to establish his level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities, as well as identify and dismantle the criminal network,” Ms John said. The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, commended community members for providing timely information that aided the operation. He urged the public to continue providing credible and timely information to the police, assuring confidentiality.
Earlier this month, the police in Akwa Ibom arrested three armed robbery suspects in Uyo, according to a Premium Times report.
