Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have uncovered and dismantled a suspected criminal hideout operating under the guise of a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area.
The facility, identified as ‘All Power Belong to Me, Solomon of our Generation’, was stormed following intelligence reports linking it to unlawful activities. Seven individuals were taken into custody during the operation, while a cache of weapons and other items was recovered.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday.
Those arrested were named as Preacher Brian Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon and Joy Elijah Okon.
Items seized from the premises include two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, 10 mobile phones and a police crest. Other exhibits recovered comprise four jungle boots, a peak cap, a saw blade, a spanner, multiple vehicle plate numbers, five machetes, a special forces vest, bottles believed to contain spiritual oil, and an enlarged photograph said to be relevant to ongoing investigations.
Providing details of the operation, the police said, “Acting on credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were hibernating in a compound disguised as a church, the Command swiftly mobilized for a targeted operation. At about 0600hrs on 8th April 2026.
“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 warned against the use of any front to shield criminal conduct, stating, “The Command wishes to issue a stern 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.”