Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully raided a criminal hideout operating under the guise of a church, arresting seven suspects and seizing firearms, motorcycles, and other incriminating items.
The establishment, which calls itself “All Power Belongs to Me, Solomon of Our Generation”, is situated in Ndiya Mfia village, within Ikono Local Government Area of the state.
The raid was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Timfon John.
Seven individuals were apprehended during the operation.
They include Preacher Brian Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, and Joy Elijah Okon.
The police recovered a significant cache of items, highlighting the criminal nature of the operation.
Exhibits include two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, 10 mobile phones, and one police crest.
Additional items seized include four jungle boots, one peak cap, a saw blade, a spanner, several vehicle plate numbers, five machetes, a special forces vest, bottles of suspected spiritual oil, and one enlarged photograph linked to ongoing investigations.
According to the police statement, “Acting on credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were hibernating in a compound disguised as a church, the Command swiftly mobilised for a targeted operation.
At about 0600 hours on 8th April 2026, our operatives executed the raid.”
The statement further explained, “Preliminary investigation suggests that the location was being used as a cover for criminal operations, raising serious concerns about the misuse of religious fronts for unlawful activities.
“The Command wishes warning to all criminal elements in the State: there will be no hiding place.
”Any attempt to disguise criminal activities under any cover, religious or otherwise, will be met with the full weight of the law.”
Law enforcement sources said the raid was meticulously planned after weeks of surveillance and intelligence-gathering.
The church, while appearing to carry out legitimate religious activities, was allegedly serving as a base for a network involved in criminal activities across the state.
The operation underscores the police’s growing resolve to dismantle criminal networks exploiting unsuspecting communities.
Residents of Ndiya Mfia village welcomed the operation, stating that the activities of the suspected criminals had instilled fear in the community for months.
“We are relieved that the police acted quickly. It had become clear that this church was not what it claimed to be,” said one local resident who requested anonymity.
Investigators confirmed that the suspects are currently in police custody as forensic and intelligence officers continue to examine the recovered items.
The Command also vowed to pursue any associates linked to the criminal enterprise.
The Akwa Ibom State Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, urging citizens to provide actionable intelligence and cooperate with law enforcement in curbing crime.
