The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 23 male suspects over alleged criminal activities and recovered substantial quantities of suspected illicit drugs during a raid on identified black spots at the Ibaka Fishing Port.
The operation was carried out by command operatives following actionable intelligence and focused on suspected criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis.
In a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, the raid took place between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, and 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, 6 February 2025.
“Between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, and 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, 6th February 2025, operatives of the Command, acting on credible information, carried out a strategic night operation targeting criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis,” the statement said.
The spokesperson revealed that several known black spots within the Ibaka Fishing Port were searched, resulting in the arrest of “Sampson Newstyle, Godgift Benabinte, Michael Asukwo, Prince Ene, Goodnews Asukwo, Golden Edu, and 17 other suspects.”
Recovered items include “large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, chemically enhanced variants of the same substance, illicit locally brewed drinks, as well as containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.”
DSP John added that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the level of the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities and to uncover other individuals linked to the drug network operating in the area.
“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,” he stated.
He further noted that the Ibaka axis remains calm, with increased patrols and surveillance in place to prevent any resurgence of criminal activity.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, trafficking and other criminal acts, warning that sustained intelligence-led operations will continue across the state until all criminal black spots are dismantled.