The security outfit in Akwa Ibom State known as Ibom Community Watch, ICW, has reported the arrest of over 18 suspects in Uyo for allegedly burglarizing shops and stalls during the yuletide season. ICW Commander, Isantim Kenneth Okon, made this revelation while welcoming the leadership of the Centre for Human Rights & Accountability Network (CHRAN) on behalf of the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, Akwa Ibom State, Gen. Koko Essien (rtd) at his office in Uyo.
According to Okon, the suspects targeted shops whose owners had moved to the Christmas village to sell their wares, taking advantage of the situation. ICW’s surveillance efforts in Uyo led to the apprehension of the suspects who were promptly handed over to the police for further investigation.
He emphasized the significant reduction in cases of rape and theft around the Christmas village in 2023 as a result of ICW’s security measures, highlighting the agency’s collaboration with other security agencies in intelligence sharing. Okon also stressed the non-political nature of ICW’s operations and urged the public to support the outfit’s efforts in maintaining security.
In his address, the Akwa Ibom State Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, commended the establishment of the commission to address internal security issues and encouraged ICW to be diligent in addressing various security threats, including vandalism, cultism, trafficking, and kidnapping. Isong also called for continuous training of recruits and emphasized the need for a human rights desk within the agency to handle public complaints.
Furthermore, he urged ICW to extend its operations to university campuses, address the activities of scavengers and cattle rearers, and advocated for the provision of a cattle ranch to mitigate issues of open grazing in the state. Isong pledged CHRAN’s oversight of the security agency’s activities and urged them to maintain proactive measures.
The apprehension of 18 suspected burglars by ICW during the yuletide season is a testament to the agency’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security in Uyo.