Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Masquerades for Street Violence

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three masquerades for allegedly causing harm to innocent people and displaying on the streets without authorization during the Ekid Day celebration in Eket Local Government Area. State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, made the disclosure at a press briefing in Uyo, stating that those injured were receiving medical treatment.

The arrests followed Governor Umo Eno’s executive order banning masquerades from operating in streets without police approval, aimed at curbing insecurity and restoring sanity. Azare noted compliance with the order has reduced violence.

The command also reported recovering 179 arms, 323 ammunition, arresting 563 suspects, recovering 14 stolen vehicles, rescuing 74 human trafficking victims, saving 10 kidnapped victims, and securing 33 convictions in 2025.