The police in Akwa Ibom have made further breakthroughs in the dismantling of criminal hideouts and the elimination of identified black spots across the state.
To this end, operatives of the Command have arrested four suspects and recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
DSP Timfon John, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), announced this in a press release issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to DSP John, “On September 5, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., operatives of the Command, acting swiftly on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout along Aka-Etinan Road, Uyo Local Government Area.
“During the intelligence-led operation, one Inemesit Ekpeyong, male, aged 25 years, was arrested. A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.”
She further said that in a separate but coordinated operation, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit raided another suspected criminal hideout at Midim Nto Udo Village, Essien Udim Local Government Area, following intelligence that the location was being used for the alleged sale and consumption of illicit drugs and other activities capable of threatening public peace and security.
Accordingly, the operation led to the arrest of the following suspects: Mandu John, female; Ubong John, male; and Ekemini John, male.
DSP John added that during the raid, large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were equally recovered.
Already, the Commissioner of Police has directed “a thorough investigation into the activities of all the suspects, including efforts to identify their sources of supply, possible accomplices, and wider criminal networks connected to the recovered substances. The exhibits will also be subjected to the appropriate evidential and forensic procedures, while suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
“CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, warned that the Command will not allow any part of Akwa Ibom State to become a haven for drug dealers, cultists, violent criminals, or persons whose activities endanger the lives and well-being of law-abiding citizens.
He further directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical units across the State to sustain intelligence-led raids on identified criminal hideouts, drug joints, and other black spots, stressing that the ongoing operation is aimed at denying criminals the space and opportunity to operate.
CP Azare assured residents that the current crackdown will be sustained across the State, adding that anyone engaged in the sale, distribution, or facilitation of illicit drugs and other criminal activities should desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the Command with credible and timely information, assuring informants of utmost confidentiality and reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security throughout Akwa Ibom State.
