The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber in Uyo and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during the operation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday.
John said officers arrested the suspect during a stop-and-search operation along the Mayflower axis of Oron Road in Uyo.
According to her, the command received a distress call at about 10:30 p.m. on June 27 from a resident of Ikot Okubo, reporting the activities of suspected armed robbers in the area.
She said police personnel immediately mobilised to cordon off and search the affected location.
“Our personnel worked in collaboration with some members of the community to carry out the operation.
“In the process, a suspect was apprehended. A medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was found in his possession,” she said.
John added that other members of the suspected criminal gang fled the scene on sighting the police.
She said the command has launched a manhunt to arrest the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The police spokesperson also said investigators would conduct a thorough investigation to determine the suspect’s level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities.
“The investigation will also enable the police to identify and dismantle the criminal network,” she said.
John reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.
She urged members of the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to strengthen efforts to combat crime.