The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man who allegedly invaded a palace while armed with a locally fabricated pistol in the Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the arrest in an official statement released in Uyo on Saturday. According to the police spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Bassey Udo Idiong, was apprehended on July 1, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m. after the police received a distress call. John stated that police operatives acted on reliable intelligence, quickly moved to the location, disarmed the suspect, and recovered the firearm.
The statement read in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success in its sustained campaign against criminality with the arrest of a suspected armed criminal and the recovery of a locally made pistol in Essien Udim Local Government Area. On 1st July, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., a distress report was relayed from the Command Control Room, Uyo, from one man (name withheld) that one Bassey Udo Idiong, a 42-year-old male from the same community, had stormed his palace armed with a locally made pistol and threatened to shoot him. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command mobilised immediately 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 prompt response of the Police not only prevented what could have resulted in a tragic loss of life but also underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to responding decisively to every credible security threat within the state.”
The PPRO further disclosed that the suspect remains in police custody, adding that a thorough investigation has commenced to track the source of the weapon, determine the motive behind the assault, and uncover any accomplices or criminal syndicates associated with the suspect. She noted that the suspect would be formally arraigned in court as soon as the police conclude their investigations. Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, lauded the operatives for their professionalism and rapid intervention to save lives. John stated that the commissioner reiterated the command’s “commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing and targeted operations aimed at eliminating illegal firearms, violent criminals and other forms of criminality across the state.” While stressing that maintaining security is a collective responsibility, Azare enjoined residents to support law enforcement agencies with timely and actionable information, promising that all disclosures would be handled with strict confidentiality. The commissioner also warned criminals that the state would not provide any safe haven for those attempting to undermine its peace, adding that the police command remains fully resolved to execute its mandate of safeguarding lives and property.
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