By Egufe Yafuborghi & Chioma Onuegbu

UYO — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended multiple criminal suspects across communities in the state throughout January 2025, including syndicates involved in illicit drug trading and burglary, recovering various exhibits in the process.

Briefing journalists on Wednesday at the Command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, highlighted the successes as a demonstration of the Command’s commitment to making the state inhospitable for criminals.

On January 21, 2025, police operatives raided black spots in Ekpene Ukpa and Afaha Effiat villages in Etinan LGA, arresting eight suspected drug dealers, including two females. Recovered items included substances suspected to be “Ice” and dried Indian hemp.

In a separate operation on January 26, raids targeted black spots, brothels, and compounds in Nto Nsek Village, leading to the arrest of a female suspect, Happiness Malachi George, for the sale of illegal drugs.

Raids in Ikot Ebong Village uncovered two female suspects, Queen Sambo Umoren and Joy Chima, found in possession of suspected Indian hemp and a jackknife.

DSP John also disclosed that on January 27, Ekemini-Abasi Micah Silas was caught mounting an illegal roadblock at Ikot Ekpenyong Village, with suspected illicit drugs in his possession.

Further operations in Manta General Area of Abak LGA led to the arrest of Uwem Okon Nsini and Nsikak Friday Okon, identified as part of a notorious drug syndicate.

Two suspects, Etimbuk Michael Okon and Victor Antai, were arrested on January 27 at Nkap Village, Ikot Ekpene, with suspected Canadian heroin and “Ice.” The suspects admitted sourcing their supplies from a supplier in Benin.

On January 19, during a stop-and-search operation, Abraham Prince Johnson was intercepted with suspected counterfeit currency and hard drugs.

DSP John revealed that a raid on January 27 in Ikot Udota Village, Eket, led to the arrest of Mfon Akpan, 34, a key distributor of hard drugs in the area.

The Command arrested suspects Moses Ndiong and Abraham Eshiet for burglary in Eket LGA. Recovered items included several television sets, a Toyota Camry, kitchen utensils, and a variety of home appliances.

Following a distress call on January 21, police apprehended Abasifreke Essien James, who had broken into a church on Ikono Street, Uyo. Recovered items included a generator, hammer, and other tools.

On January 26, police raided black spots across Ibeno communities, arresting Shamsudeen Ibrahim from Adamawa State. Recovered items included iron protectors and aluminum roofing sheets suspected to be stolen.

The Command has assured the public of continued efforts to combat crime and dismantle criminal networks in the state. DSP John confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with suspects set to face prosecution.