Police bust criminal hideouts in Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said they have intensified their crackdown on criminal elements, recording fresh operational gains with the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a firearm and suspected illicit substances.

The operations, carried out on April 10, 2026, followed actionable intelligence and targeted suspected criminal hideouts in separate locations across the state.

In Ikot Ide Itak Village, Ikono Local Government Area, police operatives conducted a late-night raid at about 11:10 p.m., leading to the arrest of one Cletus Etim. Items recovered from the suspect include a locally made pistol and substances believed to be Indian hemp.

In a related operation earlier the same day, at about 5:45 p.m., officers acting on credible intelligence apprehended a 25-year-old suspect, Sunday Abraham, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

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The suspect was alleged to be in possession of a firearm used in robbing residents of Ikot Otok Village. A search on him led to the recovery of a toy pistol and substances also suspected to be Indian hemp.

The statement, which was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, confirmed that both suspects are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

The Command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-driven policing and safeguarding lives and property across the state. It also urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information, assuring that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.