The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has declared 2025 a year of relative peace and firm law enforcement, as it rolled out a robust security blueprint for 2026 aimed at tightening the noose on crime and deepening public trust.
Speaking at an end-of-year media briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, said Akwa Ibom remained “generally peaceful, calm and stable” throughout 2025, crediting the gains to intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, strategic deployments, strong community cooperation and effective inter-agency collaboration.
According to the Police boss, the Command notched major operational successes, arresting suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes. He disclosed that dangerous weapons, ammunition and stolen vehicles were recovered, while criminal hideouts and black spots across the state were dismantled.
The Command also provided round-the-clock security for political, social, religious and economic activities, while enforcing laws and government directives to preserve public order. Azare reiterated zero tolerance for jungle justice, unlawful gatherings and acts capable of breaching public peace.
On cultural activities, the Commissioner confirmed strict compliance with the Akwa Ibom State Government’s Executive Order regulating masquerade displays—restricting them to approved locations with mandatory police permission and security coverage—an intervention he said significantly reduced violence and disorder.
Raising the alarm over misinformation, the Police Commissioner warned that fake news—especially on social media—poses a serious security threat. He revealed that arrests were made over the fabrication and circulation of false information capable of causing panic, stressing that offenders would continue to face the law.
Community policing, he said, remains the Command’s backbone, with sustained engagement of traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious leaders, transport unions, market associations, schools and other stakeholders statewide.
2025 AT A GLANCE,179 assorted arms recovered,323 different ammunition seized,100 live cartridges recovered,563 suspects arrested and charged,
14 stolen vehicles recovered and returned,74 human trafficking victims rescued and reunited,10 kidnapped victims rescued and 33 convictions secure.
Looking ahead, Azare outlined priorities for 2026 to include stronger intelligence-led policing, sustained crackdowns on violent crime, deeper community engagement, decisive action against cybercrime and fake news, enhanced professionalism and human rights compliance, smarter deployments with modern tools, and stronger synergy with sister security agencies.
He assured residents of heightened security during the festive season and beyond, with intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments across all local government areas.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police for leadership and support, applauded the Akwa Ibom State Government and sister agencies for cooperation, and thanked officers and residents for their partnership.
He urged the public to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities—vowing that the Command will protect lives and property with renewed resolve in 2026.
