Akwa Ibom Police Nab Two Over Machete Robberies Targeting Uyo Women

Authorities in Akwa Ibom State have confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with a series of alleged machete attacks and robberies primarily targeting women in Uyo. The command's spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, announced the arrests in a statement released on Thursday, October 8, 2026, noting that the suspects were apprehended just 24 hours after police urged victims to formally report such incidents.

One of the suspects, 27-year-old Wisdom Effiong, originally from Odukpani Local Government Area in Cross River State but residing in Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo, was taken into custody following information and public reports circulated on social media concerning the alleged attacks. Effiong is accused of using a machete to assault and rob women across various parts of the city.

The second suspect, Yakub Abdullah, a resident of Udi Street, Uyo, was also arrested. He is alleged to have received several items reportedly stolen during the aforementioned attacks. Preliminary investigations suggest that the stolen goods were handed over to Abdullah by Effiong, the alleged primary attacker.

According to the police statement, "The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Wisdom Effiong, 27, in connection with a series of alleged machete attacks and robberies targeting women in Uyo, following information and reports circulated on social media." The statement further added, "During the course of investigation, the Police also arrested Yakub Abdullah ‘M’ of Udi Street, Uyo, who is alleged to have received some of the items reportedly stolen during the attacks."

Items recovered in connection with the ongoing investigation include a machete, a woman’s handbag, one Tecno POP 5 Android phone, one iPhone 11, one Remi Android phone, and three power banks. So far, seven women have come forward and positively identified Wisdom Effiong as the person who allegedly attacked and robbed them.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command is continuing its investigation to ascertain the full scope of the suspects’ involvement and to identify any other potential victims or accomplices. The Command has appealed to anyone who may have been attacked or robbed in similar incidents to report to the Police Public Relations Unit, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, or their nearest Police Station. Such reports are crucial for identifying additional victims and strengthening the case.

Both suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged to court once the investigation is concluded. The Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State expressed gratitude to members of the public for providing vital information that aided the arrests, urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activities and criminal incidents promptly to the police.