Akwa Ibom police arrest eight after public disturbance

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested eight people in connection with a recent public disturbance in the state, accusing them of acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and defying lawful security directives. The command also denied reports that shots were fired during the operation. Police Public Relations Officer Timfon John said no member of the force discharged a firearm while personnel were deployed to restore and maintain order.

John made the statement on Thursday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare. She said the officers involved acted professionally and with restraint during the incident. The police spokesperson added that no gunshot injury had been recorded or reported to the command.

The eight arrested people, she said, were assisting with an ongoing investigation. John said anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to the law. She did not provide details of the identities of those arrested or specify the alleged actions linked to each person.

The commissioner directed area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders and other operational personnel across the state to remain vigilant while respecting citizens’ rights and maintaining peace. The command warned that no individual or group would be allowed to use any guise to cause violence, intimidate residents or disrupt public order. It urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.

The police also appealed to media organisations, bloggers and social media users to verify security-related claims through appropriate channels before publishing them. The command said Akwa Ibom remained calm and reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property.