The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested an armed robbery suspect in Uyo and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a late-night operation.

Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday. She explained that the suspect was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation around the Mayflower axis on Oron Road, Uyo.

The operation followed a distress call received at about 10:30 p.m. on June 27 from a resident of Ikot Okubo, reporting suspected armed robbers’ activities in the area.

John said police personnel quickly mobilised to cordon off and comb the affected area, working in collaboration with community members.

“In the process, a suspect was apprehended. A medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was found in his possession,” she stated.

Other members of the gang fled upon sighting the police, prompting the command to launch a manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects.

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The police spokesperson noted that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect’s level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities. She added that the probe would also help identify and dismantle the wider criminal network.

“The investigation will enable the police to establish the suspect’s role and uncover the extent of the group’s operations,” she said.

John assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. She urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to strengthen the fight against crime.

“The command will sustain its campaign against criminality. We encourage citizens to provide intelligence that can help us act swiftly and effectively,” she added.

The arrest highlights the importance of community-police collaboration in tackling insecurity. Akwa Ibom, like many states, has faced challenges with armed robbery and cult-related violence, making proactive policing and public cooperation critical to maintaining safety.

Security analysts note that the recovery of locally fabricated firearms underscores the need for tighter control of illegal weapons and stronger surveillance in urban centres.

The Akwa Ibom Police Command’s swift response and arrest demonstrate its resolve to curb armed robbery in Uyo. With investigations ongoing and a manhunt launched for fleeing suspects, authorities say they are determined to dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has formally presented Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to its governorship and National Assembly candidates, marking a key step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya presided over the brief ceremony at the Government House, Gombe, where the forms were handed to the party’s flag bearers. The event signified the conclusion of APC’s direct primaries and the commencement of the legal process of submitting candidates’ details to INEC.

According to the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, the presentation confirmed the candidates as the party’s duly nominated representatives for the elections.

The governorship candidate, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, received his nomination form after emerging victorious in the party’s primary election.

Senatorial candidates also received their forms:

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for Gombe North

Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Ahmed Deba for Gombe Central

House of Representatives candidates included Usman Kumo (Akko), Ali Isa JC (Balanga/Billiri), Fatima Bello (Kaltungo/Shongom), Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba), Sadam Bello (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye), and Jamilu Shabewa (Dukku/Nafada).

Governor Yahaya congratulated the candidates, describing their emergence as a reflection of confidence reposed in them by party members. He urged them to view their nomination as a call to responsibility and service.

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“The issuance of these nomination forms marks the completion of our party’s internal nomination process and the commencement of the legal process for submission to INEC in line with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines,” he said.

He reminded the candidates to complete all required documentation and ensure compliance with INEC’s Candidate Nomination Portal.

Yahaya emphasised the importance of unity and discipline as the party moves into the next phase of electioneering. He urged candidates to sustain grassroots mobilisation and maintain cohesion within the party.

“As we move into the next phase of the electoral process, I urge you to remain focused, disciplined and united. Cohesion within our party and sustained grassroots engagement will be critical to our success,” he said.

The governor expressed confidence in the capacity of the candidates to deliver effective representation. He described Dr. Gwamna and the National Assembly candidates as experienced and credible leaders capable of advancing the aspirations of Gombe people.

“I have every confidence that our governorship candidate and all our National Assembly candidates have the experience, capacity and credibility to represent the aspirations of the people of Gombe State with distinction,” Yahaya stated.

The presentation of nomination forms in Gombe underscores APC’s readiness for the 2027 elections. With its candidates now officially recognised, the party enters the next stage of the electoral process, focusing on documentation, compliance, and mobilisation ahead of submission to INEC.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has restated its Devotion to expanding opportunities for women in politics and governance, with National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Basiru urging Nigerian women in the diaspora to play a central role in mobilising support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the APC Diaspora/Global Women Summit in Rome, Italy, Basiru described Nigerian women abroad as one of the nation’s greatest strategic assets. He noted their achievements in diverse fields such as medicine, law, engineering, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and technology, stressing that their contributions through remittances, investments, philanthropy, and advocacy remain vital to Nigeria’s development.

“The APC acknowledges that diaspora women are not mere supporters of government programmes but strategic partners in the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Basiru said. He added that their international connections and technical expertise could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s democratic and economic institutions.

Basiru emphasised that gender inclusion is a core pillar of the APC’s political philosophy. He assured that the party would continue to encourage women’s participation in leadership, policy formulation, party administration, and electoral mobilisation.

“As a party, we are committed to increasing opportunities for women within the structures of the party and in public governance. We believe inclusive leadership achieves better governance outcomes,” he said.

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He also highlighted plans to strengthen collaboration with diaspora chapters through structured platforms for engagement, policy dialogue, investment promotion, and leadership development.

Basiru tied the call for women’s mobilisation to President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms. He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy, increased crude oil production, and fiscal reforms as measures that have created space for infrastructure and social investments.

He cited major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lagos-Sokoto Superhighway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road reconstruction as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national development. He also noted that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen to over $51 billion, the highest in 17 years.

Basiru further praised women serving in Tinubu’s administration, saying their contributions have been central to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, Basiru urged diaspora women to foster civic engagement, counter misinformation, mentor young women, and expand the party’s global outreach. He stressed that their involvement would help consolidate democratic governance and ensure continuity of reforms.

“You are ambassadors of Nigeria, promoting our democratic values and serving as a bridge between Nigeria and the international community,” he said.

The APC’s renewed emphasis on women’s inclusion reflects broader efforts to strengthen its political base ahead of 2027. By positioning diaspora women as strategic partners, the party seeks to harness their influence, resources, and expertise to reinforce its governance agenda and electoral prospects.