In a daring late-night offensive, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has smashed suspected drug enclaves in Itu Local Government Area, arresting 18 suspects and recovering a large cache of substances believed to be cannabis and other hard drugs.
The coordinated operation, carried out at about 11:20 p.m. on February 22, 2026, followed credible intelligence that parts of Oku Iboko Village and Mbak Community in Itu Local Government Area had become active distribution hubs for narcotics, allegedly fueling crime and social unrest.
Police operatives stormed the identified hideouts in a swift midnight raid, apprehending one George Timothy and 17 others found at the scene. A significant quantity of suspected illicit substances was recovered and secured as exhibits.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the locations served as distribution points for narcotics, allegedly contributing to youth delinquency, violent crimes, and other social vices within the state. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to uncover the full network and track down additional collaborators.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, issued a stern warning to drug traffickers and criminal syndicates, declaring that the Command maintains zero tolerance for narcotics-related activities and will sustain intelligence-driven raids across all local government areas.
He urged parents, traditional rulers, and community leaders to partner with security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that those undermining the peace of Akwa Ibom State should expect swift and decisive action.
The Command assured residents that further updates will be provided as investigations progress, signaling an intensified war against drug trafficking and organized crime across the state.
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