By Patrick Titus, Uyo
As a hunter declared to stubborn preys in the bush – if they learn to fly without perching, he will learn to shoot without missing – clearly explains the determination and the fight by the Akwa Ibom Police Command against criminal elements in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare maintained that the Police Command under his watch would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations, raids on criminal hideouts, and visibility policing aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.
CP Azare however, warned criminal elements to desist from all forms of criminality or be prepared to face decisive Police action.
Two days ago, the operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), carried out an intelligence-led tactical raid on a forest hideout located along Ikot Abasi Road, Abak Local Government area of the state.
The location was identified as a notorious convergence point for criminal elements who allegedly assemble to abuse hard drugs and plan attacks against unsuspecting members of the public and residents within the area.
According to DSP Timfon John, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects, upon sighting the advancing Police operatives, fled into the deep forest, abandoning several incriminating exhibits.
A search in the hideout led to the recovery of dangerous items including one locally made gun; one live cartridge; two mobile phones; quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs; sachets of alcoholic beverages and one QLINK motorcycle without registration number.
The recovered exhibits, she added, have been taken into Police custody at the VCRU Office, while investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects through intelligence generated from the recovered mobile phones and other operational leads.
In another breakthrough, the police acting on credible intelligence, have on 8th May, 2026 arrested a 52-year-old Udeme Udo ‘male’ and Nkereuwem Udo ‘male’ 40 years.
Both suspects, who were found in possession of one locally made revolver pistol, are natives of Ikot Abia Idem village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that they are members of a criminal network allegedly involved in the supply of arms and ammunition to criminals operating within Ikot Ekpene and its environs.
The Commissioner of Police who has commended the operatives of the VCRU for their swift response and professionalism, noted that the success of the operation has demonstrated the importance and effectiveness of the newly created unit in tackling violent crimes, drug-related activities, and criminal networks within the state.
He urged members of the public to continue partnering with the Police by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting security agencies in combating crime and maintaining public peace.
