Police raid criminal black spots in Ibaka, arrest 23 suspects

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has raided identified criminal black spots at the Ibaka Fishing Port, leading to the arrest of 23 male suspects and the recovery of large quantities of suspected illicit drugs and other criminal exhibits.

The operation was carried out between 9:40 pm on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, and 12:15 am on Thursday, 6 February 2025.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, said that acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command conducted a strategic night raid targeting known criminal hideouts within the Ibaka area.

She said the operation involved searches of several criminal blackspots around the Ibaka Fishing Port, adding that those arrested include Sampson Newstyle, Godgift Benabinte, Michael Asukwo, Prince Ene, Goodnews Asukwo and Golden Edu, along with 17 others.

“Items recovered during the raid include 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 allegedly used for inhaling hard drugs.

“Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the level of involvement of the suspects and to identify other individuals connected to the drug network operating in the area,” she said.

The command assured members of the public that the Ibaka axis remains calm, with enhanced patrols and surveillance measures in place to prevent any resurgence of criminal activity.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse, trafficking and other forms of criminality, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command warned criminal elements that sustained, intelligence-led operations will continue across the state until all criminal black spots are dismantled.