CP Baba Mohammed Azare, mnipr, fsi. Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police.
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command says it recorded a major operational success following a coordinated raid of identified criminal black spots within Ibaka Fishing Port, leading to the arrest of 23 male suspects.
The raid also led to the recovery of large quantities of suspected illicit drugs and other criminal exhibits.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John made this known in a statement on Sunday in Uyo.
She stated that the arrests were made between 9:40 p.m. on Feb. 5 and 12:15 a.m. on Feb. 6, 2025, when operatives of the Command, “acting on credible information, carried out a strategic night operation, targeting criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis.”
John also stated, “during the raid, operatives searched several identified black spots at the Ibaka Fishing Port, leading to the arrest of one Sampson Newstyle ‘M’, one Godgift Benabinte ‘M’, one Michael Asukwo ‘M’, one Prince Ene ‘M’, one Goodnews Asukwo ‘M’, one Golden Edu ‘M’, and 17 other suspects.
“Exhibits recovered during the operation include, large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, chemically enhanced variants of suspected Indian hemp, Illicit locally brewed drinks, containers, and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.
“Investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities and to identify other individuals connected to the drug network operating within the area.
“The Command assures members of the public that the Ibaka axis remains calm, with enhanced patrols and surveillance in place to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.”
She said that the Command’s stance against drug abuse, trafficking, and criminality in the state remained zero-tolerant.
John also warned all criminal elements that sustained intelligence-led operations would continue across the state until all black spots were dismantled.
