Monday February 23, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Investigator/Security Evaluator
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command Bust Drug Hotspots, Arrest 18 Suspects in Itu Local Government Area.
This was made known by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John in a Press Release issued on Monday, February 23, 2026 in Uyo.
DSP John stated that:
“In a decisive and uncompromising crackdown on criminal networks, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled suspected drug enclaves in Itu Local Government Area, arresting eighteen (18) suspects and recovering a substantial quantity of substances suspected to be cannabis and other hard drugs.
The operation, executed on 22nd February 2026 at about 2320 hours, followed credible intelligence indicating that certain locations in Oku Iboko Village and Mbak Community had become active drug distribution hubs fueling criminal activities within the area. Acting swiftly, operatives of the Command stormed the identified hideouts in a coordinated midnight raid.
The operation led to the arrest of one George Timothy and seventeen (17) other suspects found at the scene. A significant quantity of suspected illicit substances was recovered and secured as exhibits.
Preliminary findings reveal that the hideouts were being used as distribution points for narcotics, contributing to youth delinquency, violent crimes, and other social vices within the State. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and apprehend additional collaborators.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups engaged in drug trafficking and related criminal enterprises to immediately cease their unlawful activities or face the full force of the law.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on narcotics and criminality, emphasizing that the Police will continue to intensify intelligence-driven raids across all Local Government Areas until every drug den and criminal hideout is dismantled.
The Command urges parents, community leaders, and residents to support ongoing operations by providing credible and actionable intelligence. Those who choose to undermine the peace and safety of Akwa Ibom State should be prepared for swift and decisive action.
Further updates will be provided as investigations progress”, She concluded.