A’Ibom hoodlums flee as police raid hideout

Etim Ekpimah

Suspected hoodlums fled into the forest on sighting advancing operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) during an intelligence-led tactical raid on their hideout along Ikot Abasi Road in Abak, Akwa Ibom State.
The raid, carried out at about 3:30pm on 7 May 2026, targeted a forest camp identified by police as a notorious gathering point for suspected criminals allegedly involved in hard drug abuse and planning attacks on unsuspecting residents and members of the public.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the fleeing suspects abandoned several incriminating exhibits at the scene.
A thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of one locally made gun, one live cartridge, two mobile phones, substances suspected to be hard drugs, sachets of alcoholic beverages, and one unregistered QLINK motorcycle.
The recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody at the VCRU office, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects through intelligence generated from the recovered mobile phones and other operational leads.
The command said the successful operation marked another major breakthrough following the recent establishment of the VCRU by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen proactive policing and combat violent crime nationwide.
The operation was conducted in line with the Inspector-General’s directive and the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.
Commending the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, Azare said the success of the operation demonstrated the importance and effectiveness of the new unit in tackling violent crime, drug-related activities and criminal networks within the state.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations, raids on criminal hideouts and visibility policing to safeguard lives and property across Akwa Ibom.
The commissioner also warned criminal elements to abandon unlawful activities or face decisive police action.
The command urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen efforts aimed at combating crime and maintaining public peace.