By Ekanem Iniko
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained campaign against black spots and illicit drug activities, with the arrest of five suspects and recovery of substantial quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs in Ibeno Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out at about 8:00 p.m. on October 22, 2026, at Iwuachang Village, Ibeno Local Government Area, following credible intelligence received by the Command.
According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr, FCLMI, for the Commissioner of Police, the raid was conducted in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, on the ongoing campaign against black spots and criminal hideouts across the state.
The statement disclosed that the suspects arrested during the intelligence-led operation have been identified as Enoch Monila, 28 years; Joseph Dani, 42 years; Imoh Okon, 21 years; Joy Linus, 25 years; and Thadeus Damian, 32 years.
Items recovered from the hideout, according to the police, included substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as other substances identified by street names as Captain Black, Kolos, and Ice, all of which are subject to further forensic analysis and investigation.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered substantial quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs during an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Iwuachang Village, Ibeno Local Government Area,” the statement said.
“The operation, conducted at about 8:00 p.m. on October 22, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the Command and in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, on the ongoing campaign against black spots and illicit drug activities across the State,” it added.
Reiterating the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements, the Commissioner of Police restated his zero-tolerance policy against illicit drug trafficking and the existence of criminal hideouts that threaten public safety.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit drug trafficking, criminal hideouts, and activities capable of undermining public safety. He assures residents that intelligence-driven operations will be sustained across the State to identify and dismantle criminal networks,” the release quoted CP Azare as saying.
CP Azare further assured residents of Akwa Ibom State that the Command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, stressing that the current onslaught against black spots would be sustained and expanded to all local government areas.
He also called for stronger partnership with members of the public, urging them to continue to provide credible and timely information to the police to aid proactive policing and prompt response to criminal activities.
“Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible and timely information to the Police as the operation continues. The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring a safer Akwa Ibom State,” the statement concluded.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.