Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have re-arrested a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones, Musa Idris, with 34 assorted Android phones and two button phones linked to robbery activities within and outside the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Wednesday.

Azare also highlighted other achievements of the command within the period, including enforcement of vehicle registration regulations and a crackdown on false security information.

He said the suspect was arrested along the Calabar–Itu Road axis following credible intelligence.

He added that investigations revealed the suspect 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.

According to him, the recovered phones are strongly suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.

“Operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence and in connection with a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road axis, arrested one Musa Idris, a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones linked to an armed robbery syndicate.

“Investigations showed the suspect 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.

“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,” the CP said.

He further disclosed that the suspect made useful confessions suggesting the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.

On false security information, the Commissioner said investigations had been concluded in a case involving one Akaninyene Udo, popularly known online as “AK Philo,” who allegedly circulated a threatening message titled “Eket get ready for us” alongside the image of an armed bandit.

He said the suspect had been charged to court and 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.

Azare also announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, altered, obscured, defaced, or missing registration plates, urging motorists to ensure compliance with existing regulations.

During the briefing, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing First Aid boxes to commands across the federation, including Akwa Ibom State.

He described the intervention as a demonstration of the IGP’s commitment to the health, safety, welfare, and operational readiness of police personnel.

The Commissioner also presented certificates of commendation to officers for professionalism and dedication to duty, noting that rewarding integrity and excellence remains key to motivating personnel and strengthening modern policing. (PUNCH)