Police in Akwa Ibom State have apprehended two individuals suspected of hiding behind traditional masquerade displays to carry out violent attacks and extortion against local residents. The arrests were confirmed by the command spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, following an operation conducted along the busy Ukana and Abak Highway.
According to the police report, the suspects were detained on October 26 during a tactical show of force by law enforcement personnel. Authorities identified the detained individuals as twenty-nine-year-old Ine Isong and twenty-year-old Emmanuel Ekpenyong. During the operation, officers recovered Ekpo masquerade costumes alongside weapons including machetes, spears, and arrows.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects belonged to a broader group accused of harassing the public, targeting unsuspecting citizens, and physically assaulting women in the area. Law enforcement officials noted that these acts of intimidation and forced extortion have severely threatened peace and daily commerce in the Ikot Ekpene local council district.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azar, condemned the weaponization of traditional customs for illicit activities. He emphasized that while the police respect legitimate cultural practices, the command will not tolerate any individual or group using tradition as a shield to commit crimes, intimidate citizens, or perpetrate violence.
Authorities have confirmed that ongoing investigations aim to track down remaining accomplices linked to the syndicate. The police command has urged residents to report suspicious activities and assured the public of continued efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
Source reporting: Daily Post — 2026-10-28 13:59:14
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