The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order with the arrest of individuals parading as masquerades in violation of existing regulations governing such activities across the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives on routine patrol intercepted the suspects on April 23, 2026, at about 11:25 a.m. along the Onna–Ikot Abasi Road. The group was reportedly heading towards Onna to engage in activities capable of disrupting public peace and order.
The Command said the operation was carried out in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, which prohibits unauthorized masquerade displays outside approved locations such as village squares and town halls without prior police clearance.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly hired by an individual from Atabong Village in Eket Local Government Area to perform at a burial ceremony in Ndon Eyo Village, Onna LGA – an arrangement that contravenes established security and public safety guidelines.
The arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Authorities have also launched a manhunt for the individual who engaged them.
The Police Command reiterated that masquerade activities must strictly comply with laid-down regulations, warning that any attempt to use cultural displays to incite unrest, intimidate residents, or breach public peace will be met with decisive action.
Residents have been urged to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with credible information as efforts continue to safeguard lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.
