The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has declared a village head wanted after uncovering his alleged involvement in a militant and piracy syndicate operating along the State’s coastal communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo.
According to the CP, operatives of the Command, working in collaboration with Marine Hunters, arrested a 27-year-old suspected militant, Samuel Geofrey from Bayelsa State, on November 3, 2025.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that his rifle was being kept by one Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village in Mbo Local Government Area.
“Upon sighting our operatives, the Village Head fled. However, a search of his residence led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been stolen from sea travellers,” Azare said.
Recovered items included multiple marine engines, power heads, gearboxes, generators, toilet fittings, a deep freezer, sewing machine, and other household materials, as well as personal belongings of a victim identified as Chibuike Vincent Awah from Onitsha, Anambra State.
The police chief said efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing monarch, adding that the operation underscored the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks across the state’s waterways.
“This operation demonstrates our resolve to dismantle criminal networks from the creeks of Mbo to the heart of Uyo. We will pursue every suspect until they face the law,” he vowed.
Azare also announced the discovery of an illegal gun-manufacturing factory in Ekiti Itam, Itu Local Government Area, where two suspects were arrested and several locally fabricated firearms and production tools recovered.
In separate raids, the Command apprehended suspects found with over 70 stolen mobile phones and three tricycles, while another syndicate involved in stealing vehicle parts at Mbiabong Etoi was arrested after attempting to conceal the items in sacks.
The CP further revealed that masquerade cult leaders involved in violent processions, armed extortion, and highway barricades were arrested following the enforcement of restrictions on unlawful masquerade displays.
Similarly, motorcycle-snatching and armed robbery gangs operating between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States were dismantled, with nine stolen motorcycles recovered.
Acting on intelligence from residents, the police also recovered rounds of ammunition in Abak.
Azare urged residents whose mobile phones or valuables were recently stolen to visit the Command with proof of ownership for possible recovery.
He commended officers for their professionalism and thanked citizens for their continued support, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing.
“We are committed to ensuring that Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. Criminals must know there is no hiding place,” he said.