A’Ibom police arrest two suspects, recover drugs, cables

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects in separate operations in Uyo, recovering a quantity of suspected Indian hemp and cable wires allegedly linked to theft.

The arrests were made on 14 October 2026 during operations targeting illicit drug sales and other criminal activities in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said operatives arrested Gideon David at about 9.30 pm following intelligence about the alleged sale of illicit drugs along Aka Itiam Street in Uyo Local Government Area.

A search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of a large quantity of plant material suspected to be Indian hemp.

David remains in police custody as investigators work to establish the extent of his alleged involvement and identify other persons who may be connected to the activity.

In a separate operation earlier that day, detectives arrested Godwin Paulinus over an alleged theft at a company located at Udoduoma, near Tropicana, Uyo.

John said the detectives were dispatched after the police control room received a distress call about the incident around 2.57 pm.

The operatives reportedly recovered cable wires from a bag belonging to Paulinus during a search.

Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances of the alleged theft and determine whether others were involved.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling illicit drug distribution and other criminal activities through intelligence-led policing and targeted operations against identified criminal hotspots.

He said the operations formed part of the command’s ongoing strategy to disrupt drug networks, prevent crime and protect lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.

Azare urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, drug-related activities and other criminal conduct to the nearest police station or through established police reporting channels.

He assured the public that credible information would be handled confidentially and acted upon professionally.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, strengthening public confidence and ensuring the safety of residents, visitors and businesses in the state.