Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Idu Uruan Village, Uruan Local Government Area, arresting two people and recovering a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and cannabis.

The operation was carried out at about 1.30am on September 9, 2026, following intelligence received by the police concerning suspected criminal activities at the location.

Police identified the suspects as Fortune Effiong and Comfort Effiong.

Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed details of the operation in a statement released on Saturday in Uyo.

According to the command, officers conducted a search of the suspected hideout following the arrests and recovered substantial quantities of substances believed to be cannabis intended for distribution and consumption.

POLICE INTENSIFY OPERATIONS AGAINST CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS

The command said the raid was part of an intelligence led operation targeting suspected drug dealers, criminal hideouts and individuals allegedly involved in violent and organised crime across Akwa Ibom State.

Police Commissioner Baba Mohammed Azare has directed officers to maintain what the command described as a zero tolerance approach to criminal black spots.

The command said the latest raid was carried out as part of efforts to dismantle locations allegedly being used to facilitate criminal activities.

"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 police statement said.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

Azare commended the officers involved in the operation and directed investigators to establish whether other individuals were connected to the suspected drug network.

The police commissioner expressed concern about the impact of illegal drugs on public safety and young people in the state.

"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 also urged residents to provide credible information about suspicious activities to the police, assuring members of the public that information supplied to security agencies would be treated confidentially.

The two suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.

The substances recovered during the operation were described by police as suspected cannabis. The allegations against the arrested individuals have not been determined by a court.