By Nnaemeka Ogenyi, Uyo
The Police in Akwa Ibom has arrested a suspect with 36 stolen phones in one of it’s latest covert operations to reduce criminality in the state.
The suspect, Musa Idris was already on bail and had previously been arrested in October 2025 for offences relating to armed robbery and possession of over 200 assorted Android phones suspected to be stolen.
State Police Commissioner, Baba Azare who disclosed this at a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday said the command has also commenced the prosecution of a suspect for disseminating false security information capable of causing public panic.
Azare explained that the arrest followed credible intelligence after a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road axis where Idris was arrested.
Items recovered from the suspect according to the commissioner include thirty-four assorted Android phones, two button phones, one standing fan, one 80,000mAh power bank, one rechargeable table fan, one tricycle with Registration Number AFG 64 WO, one jack knife, and quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
“The recovered phones are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State,” he stated.
The CP further disclosed that the suspect made useful statements and allegedly revealed the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He assured that efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate currently at large.
On the issue of false security information, Azare announced the successful conclusion of investigations into a case involving one Akaninyene Udo, popularly known online as “AK Philo,” who allegedly circulated a threatening message captioned “Eket get ready for us” alongside the image of an armed bandit.
The Commissioner stated that following investigations, the suspect was charged before a competent court and subsequently remanded in a Correctional Centre.
“The creation, publication, or dissemination of false security alerts and misleading information capable of causing public panic remains a criminal offence, and offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He also announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating with covered, altered, obscured, defaced, or absent registration number plates.
According to him, the exercise is in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and is aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening crime prevention measures, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to exploit unregistered or concealed vehicles for criminal activities.
The Commissioner concluded by honouring some officers with Certificates of Commendation for exemplary professionalism, dedication to duty, and outstanding service delivery following public commendation captured in a viral social media video.
He emphasized that rewarding professionalism and integrity remains an important component of modern policing and serves as motivation for officers who continue to discharge their responsibilities with distinction.
