Police raid criminal hideouts, recover firearms, hard drugs in Akwa Ibom

‎Operators of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have raided criminal dens, arrested suspects, recovered firearms and hard drugs in the state.

A statement issued on Sunday in Uyo by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the raid took place on Saturday.

‎John noted that the locations raided include Okopedi, Eket and Abia Uduk streets and that the arrested suspects are Paul Sunday, Nelson Ekpa, Akaninyene Valentine and Idongesit Harrison.

‎The statement reads: “In line with its unwavering commitment to curb criminal activities across the State, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, FSI, has successfully carried out a series of intelligence-led raids in Eket and Okopedi.

“On the evening of 21/3/2026 at approximately 7.45pm, officers acting on credible intelligence information raided a known hotspot in Okopedi, where four male suspects were arrested. The suspects are: Paul Sunday ‘M’, ⁠Nelson Ekpa ‘M’, ⁠Akaninyene Valentine ‘M’ and Idongesit Harrison ‘M’

‎”The suspects were found to be in possession of instruments typically used for the preparation and consumption of illicit substances, including several empty Squadron bottles associated with substance abuse. Some quantities of methamphetamine (Ice) were also recovered at the scene.

‎”In another operation in Abia Uduk Street, Ikot Ebok, the surveillance team quickly responded to reports of suspicious activity. Upon sighting the police, several hoodlums fled the area. During the retreat, one suspect discarded a yellow nylon bag, which was recovered and found to contain two locally made pistols and two live cartridges.

‎”These operations are testimony to the relentless efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to maintain peace and security. The suspects are currently in custody and further investigations are underway.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to eradicating criminal elements from the State, with intensified efforts to crack down on illegal firearms and illicit substance abuse. The Command urges members of the public to continue to provide useful information to aid in the collective fight against crime,” the statement added.