Press Release
Akwa Ibom Police Command has busted suspected drug enclaves in Itu Local Government Area, arresting18 suspects in a major crackdown.
This was the Command’s decisive and uncompromising crackdown on criminal networks with arrest of 18 suspects and recovery of a substantial quantity of substances suspected to be cannabis and other hard drugs.
‘‘The operation, executed on 22nd February 2026 at about 2320 hours, followed credible intelligence indicating that certain locations in Oku Iboko Village and Mbak Community had become active drug distribution hubs fueling criminal activities within the area. Acting swiftly, operatives of the Command stormed the identified hideouts in a coordinated midnight raid.
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‘‘The operation led to the arrest of one George Timothy and seventeen (17) other suspects found at the scene. A significant quantity of suspected illicit substances was recovered and secured as exhibits,’’ the Command stated.
‘‘Preliminary findings reveal that the hideouts were being used as distribution points for narcotics, contributing to youth delinquency, violent crimes, and other social vices within the State. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and apprehend additional collaborators.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, therefore, warns individuals and groups engaged in drug trafficking and related criminal enterprises to immediately cease their unlawful activities or face the full force of the law,’’ DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer for Commissioner of Police, stated in a press release on Monday.
”The Commissioner reaffirms the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on narcotics and criminality, emphasizing that the Police will continue to intensify intelligence-driven raids across all Local Government Areas until every drug den and criminal hideout is dismantled.
”The Command urges parents, community leaders, and residents to support ongoing operations by providing credible and actionable intelligence. Those who choose to undermine the peace and safety of Akwa Ibom State should be prepared for swift and decisive action.
”Further updates will be provided as investigations progress,” the release added.
