The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has continued to record significant operational successes following the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), recently created by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to strengthen proactive policing and combat violent crimes across the country.
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A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John said in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police and the operational strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, operatives of the newly established VCRU, on 7th May, 2026, at about 1530hrs, carried out an intelligence-led tactical raid on a forest hideout located along Ikot Abasi Road, Abak.
It said 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.
On sighting the advancing Police operatives, the suspected criminals fled into the forest, abandoning several incriminating exhibits.
A thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of the following items:
* One locally made gun
* One live cartridge
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* Two mobile phones
* Quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs
* Sachets of alcoholic beverages
* One QLINK motorcycle without registration number
The recovered exhibits have been taken into Police custody at the VCRU Office, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects through intelligence generated from the recovered mobile phones and other operational leads.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives of the VCRU for their swift response and professionalism, noting that the success of the operation clearly demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of the newly created unit in tackling violent crimes, drug-related activities, and criminal networks within the State.
The CP reiterated that the Akwa Ibom State Police Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations, raids on criminal hideouts, and visibility policing aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the State.
He further warned criminal elements to desist from all forms of criminality or be prepared to face decisive Police action.
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The Command urges 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.
