Photos: Police nab 56 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 56 suspected kidnappers and cultists in the last two weeks.

Briefing newsmen at the state Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo on Thursday, January 18, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi, said the suspects were arrested for various offences, ranging from armed robbery to cultism and other crimes most of whom have been charged to court while others are under investigation.

“You will recall that upon assumption of duty as the 23rd Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State on 03/01/2018, I clearly stated that I will champion a new course of policing in the State, in line with the force directives, under the leadership of IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, a policing that is focused on the people and is service-oriented”  he said.

“This is in line with global best practices that place emphasis on human right driven policing, intelligence-led policing, community based policing and problem solving approaches. The security architecture of the state was clearly studied and repositioned for effective service delivery. We have commenced a full implementation of community based policing in the state. This is geared towards increasing public confidence on the Police and working in partnership with members of the public in a more friendly and accountable manner. Strategies put in place in ensuring that crime rate in Akwa Ibom State is brought to the barest minimum are yielding fruitful results.”

Items recovered from the suspects include seven locally made pistols and 2 cut-to-size guns with 6 live cartridges were recovered, 2 cut-to-size locally made pump action with four rounds of cartridges, 2 locally made single barrel and 2 locally made double barrel pistols with eleven cartridges were also recovered.

Others are one Toyota 4 runner jeep, one Toyota Matrix was recovered, three Toyota Camry, one Hyundai Kia, one Highlander (2003) model, and assorted items suspected to be used by cultists.