A’Ibom Police Bust Criminal Lair, Apprehend Two Drug Suspects

Operatives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully raided a suspected criminal haven located in Idu Uruan Village, within the Uruan Local Government Area of the state. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals believed to be drug dealers, alongside the recovery of a significant cache of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa.

The raid, conducted around 1:30 AM on September 9, 2026, was initiated following credible intelligence concerning the activities of criminal elements operating from that specific location. DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the details in a statement released to journalists on Saturday in Uyo. She emphasized that the command executed the raid as part of its stringent zero-tolerance policy against criminal 'black spots' and organized crime across Akwa Ibom State.

DSP John identified the arrested suspects as Fortune Effiong (male) and Comfort Effiong (female). She further stated that a thorough search of the hideout revealed substantial quantities of the suspected Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa, which are believed to have been earmarked for distribution and consumption within the community.

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

CP Baba Mohammed Azare commended the operatives for their professionalism and courage during the operation. He has directed a comprehensive investigation to ensure that all individuals connected to the illicit drug trade are identified and brought to justice. The Commissioner expressed deep concern over the proliferation of drug networks, highlighting the devastating consequences of drug abuse on public safety and the overall development of the youth.

Azare firmly declared that “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.” He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to provide timely and credible information regarding suspicious activities to the police, assuring them that such intelligence would be handled with the 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,” Azare added. He concluded by confirming that the suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.