By Abdullahi InuwaÂ
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its offensive against criminal elements across the state, raiding suspected criminal hideouts in Uyo and Essien Udim Local Government Areas and arresting four suspects.
The operations, which were carried out separately by police operatives acting on intelligence, also resulted in the recovery of large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The latest crackdown is part of the Command’s ongoing drive to dismantle criminal hideouts and rid the state of identified black spots where illicit activities are allegedly carried out.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives moved into action on September 5, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., after receiving credible intelligence on activities around a suspected criminal hideout along Aka-Etinan Road in Uyo.
During the operation, a 25-year-old man identified as Inemesit Ekpeyong was arrested.
Police said a search conducted on the suspect led to the discovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
In a separate operation, the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit descended on another suspected criminal hideout at Mnideim Nto Udo Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The raid followed intelligence indicating that the location was allegedly being used for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as other activities considered capable of threatening public peace and security.
Three suspects were apprehended during the operation. They were identified as Mandu John, female; Ubong John, male; and Ekemine John, male.
Police also recovered another large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp from the location.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the four suspects.
The investigation, according to the Command, will focus not only on the suspects but also on tracing the alleged sources of the illicit substances, identifying possible accomplices and uncovering any wider criminal network that may be connected to the recovered exhibits.
The police said the seized substances would undergo appropriate evidential and forensic procedures, while anyone found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
CP Azare warned criminals and drug dealers operating in the state that the Command would not permit any community or location to become a sanctuary for criminal activities.
He specifically warned cultists, violent criminals, drug dealers and other individuals whose activities threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents to desist from such acts.
The Commissioner further directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical units across the state to maintain regular intelligence-driven raids on identified criminal hideouts, drug joints and other security black spots.
He said the objective was to deny criminals the environment and opportunity to plan or execute criminal activities.
The Command assured residents that the operation would continue across Akwa Ibom, stressing that the crackdown was not a one-off exercise.
The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information about suspicious activities and criminal operations within their communities.
He assured members of the public that information supplied to the police would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and security across Akwa Ibom State.
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