Police arrest three masquerades over illegal street display in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three masquerades for allegedly parading the streets without authorisation and injuring members of the public.

The State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Uyo.

He said the arrests were made in Eket Local Government Area during the Ekid Day celebration held on Saturday.

According to Azare, some residents were injured during the unauthorised display and are currently receiving medical treatment at undisclosed hospitals in the state.

The commissioner noted that the incident violated an executive order recently signed by Governor Umo Eno, which prohibits masquerades from operating on public streets without prior approval from the police.

He explained that the directive was introduced to address rising insecurity, disorder and public nuisance linked to masquerade activities, while still respecting cultural traditions.

“The Command is enforcing the Executive Order of the Akwa Ibom State Government, which restricts masquerade activities to approved locations with mandatory police permission and security coverage,” Azare said.

“This measure has significantly reduced violence and disorder.”

Highlighting the Command’s achievements in 2025, the police boss revealed that 179 assorted arms and 323 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the year.

He added that 563 suspects were arrested for various offences and charged to court.

Azare further disclosed that 14 stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners, 74 victims of human trafficking were rescued and reunited with their families, and 10 kidnapped victims were successfully freed.

He said the Command also secured 33 convictions within the year.