The newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major operational breakthrough after raiding a suspected criminal hideout in Abak and recovering a firearm, hard drugs, and other incriminating items.
The intelligence-led operation, carried out on May 7 along Ikot Abasi Road in Abak, targeted a forest camp believed to be a gathering point for hoodlums involved in drug abuse and violent attacks within the area.
Police operatives stormed the hideout at about 3:30 p.m., forcing the suspected criminals to flee deep into the forest on sighting the advancing team.
During a thorough search of the camp, officers recovered a locally made gun, one live cartridge, two mobile phones, suspected hard drugs, sachets of alcoholic beverages, and an unregistered QLINK motorcycle.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the exhibits have been secured at the VCRU office, while investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects using intelligence gathered from the recovered phones and other operational leads.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised the operatives for their professionalism and swift action, describing the successful raid as a clear indication of the effectiveness of the newly created VCRU in combating violent crimes and drug-related activities across the state.
He assured residents that the Command would sustain aggressive intelligence-driven operations, raids on criminal hideouts, and visibility policing to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The police boss also warned criminal elements to abandon unlawful activities or face decisive action from security agencies.
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