Aniefiok Christopher
The Akwa Ibom Police Command raided criminals’ hideout and uncovered a cache of arms and illicit drugs, launching manhunt for the fleeing prime suspect from Ifiayong Usuk in Uruan Local Government Area.
However, another suspect from Nwaniba Village still in Uruan was unlucky to escape as police dragnet caught up with him.
This is part of the operational breakthroughs recorded by the operatives of the Command in compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi to sustain intelligence-driven raids across the State.
Also read: Police Arrest Five Suspects, Uncover illicit Drugs in Eket
For the past months, the Command has been relentless in raiding the criminals’ hideouts in various parts of the state, deploying expertise and professionalism to uncover arms and other questionable items.
A press release by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John for the Commissioner of Police on Wednesday, February 11, said ‘‘On Tuesday, 10th February 2026, at about 2305hrs, a patrol team on intensive visibility policing and targeted surveillance based on credible intelligence conducted a raid operation at a place suspected to be a criminal hideout in Ifiayong Usuk Village.
‘‘Upon sighting the Police patrol vehicle, the principal suspect fled the scene, abandoning the following items: One locally made pistol, One live cartridge, One new Daylong motorcycle without registration number, One small Itel handset and Substances suspected to be illicit drugs.’’
‘‘The operation, according to the release, ‘‘was subsequently extended to Nwaniba Village, where one Joshua Anietie (38 years), male, of Nwaniba Village, was arrested. Wraps of dry weeds suspected to be Indian hemp in commercial quantity were recovered from his possession.
‘‘The arrested suspect is currently undergoing investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.’’
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to flushing out criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
