The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against criminal elements, with the successful dismantling of a notorious drug bunk, recovery of suspected stolen property, and arrest of a suspected drug baron in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John issued to newsmen.
It said acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command carried out a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting a criminal enclave believed to have served as a haven for drug traffickers, receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements who had been terrorizing residents of the area.
During the operation, one suspect, Ofonime Etim, male, of Ikot Ebom Itam, was arrested. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, numerous packets of rolling papers (rizlers), axes, machetes, vandalized electrical wires, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminum windows, cartons of assorted provisions and beverages, cartons of sachet illicit gin, a submersible water pump, and several electronic and electrical appliances reasonably suspected to be stolen property.
In the course of the operation, the Village Chairman, whose identity is withheld, positively identified the recovered submersible water pump as property belonging to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall borehole facility, which had earlier been reported stolen. Upon interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to stealing the pump from the community facility.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the premises functioned as a major distribution point for illicit drugs and a repository for suspected stolen items. Further investigations are ongoing to identify owners of the recovered properties, trace additional victims, and apprehend other members of the criminal network connected to the operation.
The notorious drug bunk was subsequently dismantled and destroyed. Residents of the community commended the Police for the successful operation, noting that the activities of the suspect and his associates had long posed a serious threat to public safety and security in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the State of drug traffickers, vandals, cultists, receivers of stolen property, and all other criminal elements. He warned that Akwa Ibom State will remain hostile territory for criminals and assured that the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks operating within the State.
The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command assures members of the public that Operation Zero Black Spots remains active and effective. The Command remains resolute in its determination to identify and dismantle all criminal hideouts, drug dens, and black spots across the State and bring those responsible to justice.
