By Emmanuel Ntekim
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major operational success following a coordinated raid on identified criminal black spots within the Ibaka Fishing Port, leading to the arrest of twenty-three (23) male suspects and the recovery of suspected illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits.
The operation was carried out between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, and 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, after operatives of the Command acted on credible intelligence to dismantle criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis.
During the raid, several black spots at the Ibaka Fishing Port were searched, resulting in the arrest of the following suspects: Sampson Newstyle, Godgift Benabinte, Michael Asukwo, Prince Ene, Goodnews Asukwo, Golden Edu, and seventeen (17) other suspects.
According to a statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, and made available to Watchman Post, exhibits recovered during the operation include: Large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp; Chemically enhanced variants of suspected Indian hemp; Illicit locally brewed alcoholic drinks; Containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.
The Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities and to identify other members of the drug network operating within the area.
The Command further assured members of the public that the Ibaka axis remains calm, with enhanced patrols and surveillance currently in place to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse, trafficking, and 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 completely dismantled.
