Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have uncovered a criminal hideout in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of the state, where illicit drug transactions and other unlawful activities were reportedly taking place.
The police also confirmed the arrest of a suspected gang member accused of terrorising residents along Michael Abraham Street by Nkemba in Uyo.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Uyo by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John.
According to her, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence, which prompted a swift response from operatives.
She identified the suspects arrested as Ofonime Tom, believed to be a member of a notorious gang operating in areas such as Michael Abraham Street, Nkemba Street, Ikot Ebido Oku, and surrounding communities. Others apprehended in Ibesikpo Asutan include Sunday Benedict Asuquo, Abdulkarim Umaru, Yahaya Muhammad, and Sherif Baworo.
John stated that a thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of several items, including quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, a cash sum of ₦28,000, multiple mobile phones, a lighter, two kitchen knives, two pairs of scissors, and a black bag.
Preliminary investigations, she added, indicate that the location serves as a hub for illicit drug distribution and other criminal operations within the area.
According to the statement, all suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, while further investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the network and recover additional weapons and exhibits linked to their activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for criminality, emphasizing that the operation forms part of a wider strategy aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring public confidence in security across the state.
