By Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Idu Uruan Village, Uruan Local Government Area, arresting two suspected drug dealers and recovering a large quantity of substances believed to be Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa.
The Raid
The operation took place at approximately 1:30am on September 9, 2026, following what police described as credible intelligence on criminal activity at the location. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said in a statement released Saturday in Uyo that the raid formed part of the command’s zero-tolerance approach to criminal “black spots” and organised crime across the state.
Those arrested were identified as Fortune Effiong and Comfort Effiong. A thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of substantial quantities of the suspected illicit substances, believed to have been intended for distribution and consumption.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has intensified its intelligence-led operations against criminal elements, drug dealers and other perpetrators of violent and organised crimes across the state,” the statement read. “In furtherance of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directive of the Commissioner of Police for a zero-tolerance approach towards criminal ‘black spots’ and the sustained dismantling of criminal hideouts, operatives of the Command have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Idu Uruan Village, Uruan Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa.”
Commissioner’s Response
CP Baba Mohammed Azare commended the operatives for their professionalism and courage, directing that a full investigation be carried out to ensure everyone connected to the illicit trade is brought to justice. He expressed concern over the broader impact of drug networks on public safety and youth development.
“Akwa Ibom State will not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals, drug dealers, cultists, violent offenders or other elements whose activities threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens,” Azare said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and share timely, credible information about suspicious activity, assuring residents that any information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality. “I want to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information on the activities of suspected criminals to the police. Such information will be treated with the requisite confidentiality and used to strengthen ongoing security operations,” he said, confirming that the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
