Oil Theft: Police Arrest Suspected Militant Leader, Other In Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command working in conjunction with Marine Hunters have arrested a suspected militant leader of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in oil theft and sundry crimes within the waterways of Niger Delta

Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the state Command headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the state capital, the commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, disclosed that the suspect, from Bayelsa State, was seized along the waterways of Ibaka, in Mbo local government area of the state.

He explained that the arrest followed “a sweeping security operation launched by the state Police Command aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating across the state’s waterways and urban centres.”

According to Azare, police operatives, working in collaboration with Marine Hunters, arrested the 27-year-old Samuel Geofrey, a native of Atakpere in Bayelsa State, who confessed to being part of a militant group involved in sea piracy and kidnapping.

He said the suspect admitted that his rifle was kept with one Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi, a fishing village in Mbo LGA, who fled upon sighting the police.

“A search of his residence led to the recovery of marine engines, generators, toilet fittings, boat parts, and personal effects believed to have been stolen from sea travellers.

“This marks a significant breakthrough in our sustained efforts to combat militancy, piracy, and other maritime crimes along the coastal communities. The suspect is in custody, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing Village Head,” the CP said.

The police chief outlined other major achievements in recent weeks, including the dismantling of an illegal gun manufacturing factory in Itu Local Government Area, the arrest of armed robbers and cult leaders, and the recovery of stolen properties, including small arms and light weapons from various parts of the state.

At Ekiti Itam Village in Itu LGA, the CP stated, two suspects were apprehended for producing locally made guns, while exhibits including metal pipes, welding machines, and fabricated weapons were seized. In Uyo, several suspected burglars and cultists were rounded up following complaints from residents and business owners.

Azare further revealed that the Command had intensified its crackdown on unlawful masquerade processions used as cover for robbery and extortion, adding that one suspect, Solomon Edem, was arrested in Abak for allegedly disguising as a masquerade to attack victims.

The commissioner praised the cooperation of residents and the diligence of police officers, reiterating the Command’s commitment to ensuring public safety.

“There will be no safe haven for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” “We are determined to sustain peace and security through proactive intelligence gathering and collaboration with communities,” Azare declared.

He, therefore, urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via its emergency hotlines, assuring that all reports will be treated with confidentiality.