UYO, NIGERIA: Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended a 42-year-old man who allegedly entered a traditional palace while armed with a locally manufactured pistol in the Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.
Swift Intervention Prevents Violence
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect, identified as Bassey Udo Idiong, was taken into custody on July 1, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m. The operation followed a distress call received by the Command Control Room in Uyo. A local resident reported that Idiong had entered his palace with a firearm and was issuing threats.
Police operatives mobilized to the scene, where they disarmed the suspect without further incident and recovered the weapon. Authorities noted that the rapid response successfully averted potential violence and demonstrated the department's readiness to address security threats.
Ongoing Investigation and Charges
The suspect remains in police custody as a comprehensive investigation gets underway. Detectives are currently working to trace the origin of the illegal firearm, determine the underlying motive for the intrusion, and identify any potential accomplices or broader criminal networks.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will face formal charges in court.
Commitment to Public Safety
State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the responding officers for their professionalism and timely action. He reaffirmed the command's dedication to intelligence-led policing and targeted operations designed to remove illegal firearms and violent offenders from the community.
Commissioner Azare reminded the public that maintaining security is a shared responsibility, urging residents to continue providing confidential and actionable information to law enforcement. He also warned that the command remains resolute in its mission to maintain peace and protect lives throughout Akwa Ibom State.