Press Release
Operatives of Akwa Ibom Police Command arrested four suspects and recovered large quantities of substances alleged to be Indian hemp.
In a press statement signed by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer on Sunday, 6 September, said ‘‘On 5th September, 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.
‘‘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.’’
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According to the statement, ‘‘The operation led to the arrest of the following suspects: Mandu John, female; Ubong John, male; Ekemine John, male.
Large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were equally recovered during the raid.’’
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 safe haven for drug dealers, cultists, violent criminals, or persons whose activities endanger the lives and well-being of law-abiding citizens.
The CP 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.
He 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.
The Commissioner of Police 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.
