The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five suspected drug dealers and seized substances believed to be Indian hemp, tramadol, loud, and ice during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout. The operation, conducted on Tuesday at Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang, was based on credible intelligence, according to the police.
Arrests and Recoveries
The police spokesperson, Timfon John, a deputy superintendent of police, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Wednesday. Those arrested were identified as Abraham Emmanuel, Happiness Archibong, Esther Okon, Esther Udo, and Chinedu Benjamin.
Operatives recovered large quantities of the suspected illicit substances from the location, along with ₦42,000 believed to be proceeds from the drug trade. Several other suspects reportedly fled the scene upon seeing the police vehicle.
Zero Black Spot Initiative
The operation is part of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare's, “Zero Black Spot” initiative, which aims to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state. Ms John said Mr Azare commended the officers for their “courage, vigilance and commitment to duty” and directed that intelligence-led operations be sustained, particularly in isolated areas used for drug trafficking, cultism, and violent crimes.
The statement emphasized, “The Command wishes to make it unequivocally clear that there will be no haven for criminals in Akwa Ibom State.” The initiative is designed to “identify, disrupt and dismantle locations being used to facilitate criminal activities” while improving security and public confidence.
Broader Crackdown
The latest arrests are part of a series of police operations in the state. In June, police arrested three people over alleged armed robbery and cultism, recovering firearms in Abak and Etinan. Earlier that month, a locally made pistol and Indian hemp were seized during an intelligence-led operation in Ibeno.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to help prevent and detect crime.
