The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has launched an investigation into a man found in possession of a toy AK-47 rifle after he allegedly claimed to be a vigilante operative attached to the state Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah. The police disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, identifying the suspect as Wisdom Umana.
Arrest and Initial Claims
The suspect was apprehended by an officer attached to the Government House in Uyo. According to the police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent Timfon John, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to be a vigilante operative attached to the Commissioner for Information on escort duties.” The police stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s activities and his possession of the imitation firearm.
Commissioner Denies Connection
When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, Commissioner Aniekan Umanah denied having any vigilante operative working for him. He clarified that the only security personnel attached to him are officers officially deployed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. “I don’t have any vigilante that works with me in my house or in my office. I have only two from Civil Defence. My security officials were officially given,” the commissioner said.
This denial has raised questions about the suspect’s identity and the basis of his claim that he is attached to the commissioner. Sources close to the commissioner told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Umana works as a gateman at Premium FM, a radio station in Abak, Akwa Ibom, which is the commissioner’s hometown. There have been longstanding public references linking the station’s operating company, Southwave Communications Services Limited, to Mr. Umanah, although the commissioner has not publicly acknowledged ownership of the company except as an extended family business.
Employer Confirms Suspect's Role
The station manager of Premium FM, Sixtus Tom, confirmed that the suspect is an employee of the station serving as a gateman. “Yes, he works here,” Mr. Tom said. “We have security men who work on shift. He was not on duty yesterday. Yet, he has never for once shown such a tendency that we have come to hear about him today.”
The police have not disclosed where Mr. Umana was arrested, whether the imitation rifle was openly displayed or concealed, or whether any offence has been established against him. In a subsequent clarification to journalists, Ms. John said the suspect’s claim had not been verified and remained under investigation. She added that further developments will be communicated to reporters.
Broader Context of Firearms Operations
The incident follows intensified police operations across Akwa Ibom targeting illegal firearms possession and other criminal activities. In May, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the police command in Akwa Ibom said it recovered 69 firearms from suspects in the state within five months. This latest case highlights ongoing efforts to address security concerns and verify claims of official connections in the region.
