POLICE FOIL ARMED ROBBERY ATTEMPT IN UYO, ARREST ONE SUSPECT

...Recover live cartridge, crystal meth, operational motorcycle

Ifiok Itiaba 

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has again demonstrated its commitment to rid the state of criminal elements, as operatives attached to the Command foiled a suspected armed robbery attempt along the ever-busy Abak Road, Uyo.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, said one suspect was arrested in connection with the foiled operation.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on February 9, 2026, at about 10:00pm, when operatives on pin-down duty at a strategic nipping point along Abak Road observed three young men on a motorcycle acting in a suspicious manner near a supermarket.

Acting on reasonable suspicion and in line with proactive crime prevention strategies emplaced by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, the operatives moved swiftly to apprehend the individuals.

“Upon sighting the Police, the suspects abandoned their possessions and took to their heels. A rigorous manhunt ensued, leading to the arrest of one suspect identified as Abasifreke Udo, male, 24 years,” the statement read.

DSP John disclosed that exhibits recovered from the suspect at the scene included one live cartridge, one Infinix Hot 50 Pro mobile phone, one red tank Kymstom motorcycle with registration number UNC-370-QG (Abia State), a pair of scissors, torchlight, razors, and nylon materials suspected to be used for packaging crystal methamphetamine.

Preliminary investigations, the PPRO noted, suggest that the suspects were allegedly preparing to carry out a criminal operation before the swift intervention of Police operatives disrupted their plan.

“Investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing accomplices and recovering other possible incriminating exhibits. The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” DSP John added.

The Commissioner of Police, while commending the alertness and professionalism of the operatives, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustained visibility policing, intelligence-led patrols, and proactive crime prevention across the state.

“Criminal elements are hereby warned that the Command remains vigilant and will continue to deny them the space to operate,” CP Azare warned.

The Police boss further urged members of the public to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police formation.