Police Raid Akwa Ibom Communities, Nab 23 Suspects, Recover Drugs

In major raids around the riverine communities, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have seized large quantities of drugs and other incriminating items, arresting over 23 criminal suspects.

The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to journalists at the command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the state capital, said the raid carried out between Wednesday and Friday, became necessary following credible intelligence by community volunteers at the fishing settlements of Ibaka, in Mbo local government area.

“Our operatives have recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against crime and drug abuse with the arrest of 23 suspects during a coordinated raid of criminal black spots at the Ibaka fishing port.

“The operation, which took place between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, and 12:15 am on Thursday, and February 6, 2026, was carried out by operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence.

The strategic night raid targeted known criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis,” she stated.

According to DSP John, several identified black spots were thoroughly searched, leading to the arrest of 23 male suspects and others identified as; Sampson Newstyle, Godgift Benabinte, Michael Asukwo, Prince Ene, Goodnews Asukwo, Golden Edu, and 17 others.

“During the operation, operatives recovered large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, chemically enhanced variants of the same substance, illicit locally brewed alcoholic drinks, as well as containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of the suspects in criminal activities and to uncover other individuals connected to the drug network operating within the area.

“Police has therefore, assured residents and visitors that the Ibaka axis remains calm with enhanced patrols and surveillance deployed to forestall any resurgence of criminal activities.

“By this, the Command has warned that sustained, intelligence-driven operations would continue across the State until all criminal black spots are dismantled,” she stressed, and urged members of the public to continue to support the law enforcements’ efforts by providing timely and credible information that would aid in maintaining peace and security across the state.