The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 23 male suspects and recovered large quantities of suspected illicit drugs during a raid on criminal black spots at the Ibaka Fishing Port.
The operation, carried out by police operatives following credible intelligence, targeted suspected criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis of the state.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the raid was conducted between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, and 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
According to the statement, several identified black spots within the Ibaka Fishing Port were searched, leading to the arrest of suspects identified as Sampson Newstyle, Godgift Benabinte, Michael Asukwo, Prince Ene, Goodnews Asukwo, Golden Edu, and 17 others.
Items recovered during the operation included large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, chemically enhanced variants of the substance, illicit locally brewed alcoholic drinks, as well as containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.
DSP John disclosed that investigations are ongoing to establish the level of involvement of the suspects in criminal activities and to identify other members of the drug network operating in the area.
He added that the Ibaka axis has remained calm following the operation, with increased patrols and surveillance deployed to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse, trafficking and other criminal acts, warning that sustained intelligence-driven operations will continue across the state until all criminal hideouts are dismantled.
