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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Suspected armed robber arrested in Akwa Ibom, firearm recovered

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested a suspected armed robber in Uyo.
  • Police recovered a locally fabricated firearm from the suspect, identified as Edidiong Udoeyen.
  • The arrest followed a distress call from residents, and a manhunt is underway for accomplices.

Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a suspected armed robber in Uyo, the state capital. The suspect, Edidiong Udoeyen, was apprehended on Saturday after residents reported ongoing robberies in Ikot Okubo Village.

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at about 10:30 pm, operatives of the Command deployed on stop-and-search duty along the Mayflower axis of Oron Road, Uyo, swiftly responded to a distress call from a concerned resident of Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, reporting that suspected armed robbers were actively operating within the community.

— Timfon JohnThe Police Public Relations Officer detailed the sequence of events leading to the arrest.

Operatives on patrol responded to the distress call and, with the help of local youths, cordoned off the area. They arrested Udoeyen and recovered a locally made firearm. Other suspects reportedly fled upon the police's arrival.

A manhunt has been launched to find the accomplices. The arrested suspect is in custody and will be investigated for his alleged involvement in criminal activities and to identify other gang members.

The coordinated operation led to the arrest of one suspect identified as Edidiong Udoeyen, while a medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was recovered from his possession.

— Timfon JohnThe PPRO stated the outcome of the operation in the community.

The state's Commissioner of Police commended the community for their timely information, emphasizing that effective policing relies on public partnership. He assured residents of continued proactive policing strategies and urged the public to provide confidential information to security agencies.

He reiterates that effective policing thrives on active partnership between the police and the public.

— Commissioner of PoliceThe Commissioner of Police commented on the importance of community involvement in policing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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