Police raid criminal hideout in A’Ibom, arrest two suspected drug dealers

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Idu Uruan Village, Uruan Local Government Area of the state, arrested two suspected drug dealers and recovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa.

The operation was carried out at about 1:30am on September 9, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements operating from the location.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Uyo, the command said the raid was conducted as part of its zero-tolerance approach to criminal “black spots” and organised crime in the state.

DSP Timfon John said those arrested during the coordinated raid were Fortune Effiong (male) and Comfort Effiong (female).

She added that a thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of substantial quantities of suspected Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa, believed to have been intended for distribution and consumption.

The statement read, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has intensified its intelligence-led operations against criminal elements, drug dealers and other perpetrators of violent and organised crimes across the state.

“In furtherance of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directive of the Commissioner of Police for a zero-tolerance approach towards criminal ‘black spots’ and the sustained dismantling of criminal hideouts, operatives of the Command have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Idu Uruan Village, Uruan Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa.”

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The state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their professionalism and courage and directed that a full investigation be carried out to ensure that all those connected to the illicit trade were brought to book.

The commissioner expressed concern over the activities of drug networks, noting the devastating effects of drug abuse on public safety and youth development.

“Akwa Ibom State will not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals, drug dealers, cultists, violent offenders or other elements whose activities threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens,” Azare stated.

He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information on suspicious activities, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“I want to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information on the activities of suspected criminals to the police. Such information will be treated with the requisite confidentiality and used to strengthen ongoing security operations.

“The suspects are currently in police custody and the investigation is ongoing,” Azare said.