Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have prevented what authorities described as a potentially deadly attack after arresting a man allegedly armed with a locally manufactured pistol at a traditional ruler’s palace in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on July 1, was made public by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Saturday. According to the command, officers acted immediately after receiving an emergency report from the Command Control Room in Uyo, leading to the suspect’s arrest without any exchange of gunfire.
Police identified the suspect as Bassey Udo Idiong, 42, who allegedly entered the palace while carrying a locally fabricated firearm and threatened to shoot the occupant.
Responding officers reportedly arrived at the scene within a short time, disarmed the suspect safely and recovered the weapon as evidence before taking him into custody.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the operation reflected the command’s commitment to responding promptly to security threats across the state.
In a statement, the spokesperson said:
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command mobilised immediately to the scene. The suspect was professionally disarmed without incident and taken into custody, while the locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit.”
Authorities noted that the prompt intervention prevented a situation that could have resulted in serious casualties.
The police have since launched a detailed investigation to establish how the suspect obtained the firearm, determine the motive behind the alleged threat and identify whether other individuals may have been involved.
Investigators are also examining any possible links between the suspect and criminal groups operating within or outside the area.
The command confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
Reacting to the successful operation, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare praised the officers involved for their professionalism and quick response.
According to the command, the commissioner reaffirmed the police’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and sustained operations aimed at removing illegal firearms and violent criminals from communities across Akwa Ibom State.
Azare also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information capable of preventing crime before it occurs.
He assured members of the public that information supplied to the police would be handled confidentially while warning criminal elements that law enforcement would continue to pursue anyone attempting to disrupt public peace.
The latest arrest adds to a series of recent security operations carried out by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command as authorities intensify efforts to combat violent crime, illegal weapons possession and other criminal activities across the state.
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