By Sunday Apah
The Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested five suspected drug dealers and recovered illicit drugs and cash.
In a statement by the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, it was stated that the operation was conducted in furtherance of the Commissioner of Police’s Operation Zero Black Spot and his sustained directive to deny criminals safe havens across the state.
According to the statement: “Following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Command on 11 August 2026 at about 1600hrs, operatives of the Command conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang.
“During the operation, five suspects believed to be involved in the illicit distribution and sale of controlled substances were arrested. They are Abraham Emmanuel (male), Happiness Archibong (female), Esther Okon (female), Esther Udo (female) and Chinedu Benjamin (male).
“Several other suspects fled the scene upon sighting the police vehicle.
“Items recovered from the suspects include large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud and Ice, as well as the sum of ₦42,000.00, suspected to be proceeds connected to the illicit drug trade.
“The Commissioner of Police has commended the operatives for their courage, vigilance and commitment to duty, while reiterating that the Command will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements, particularly those who exploit isolated locations as bases for drug trafficking, cultism and other violent crimes.
“The Command wishes to make it unequivocally clear that there will be no safe haven for criminals in Akwa Ibom State. The ongoing Zero Black Spot initiative is aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling locations being used to facilitate criminal activities, while strengthening security and public confidence across communities.
“The Command therefore calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that can assist the Police in preventing and detecting crime,” it added.
