By Emmanuel Ufon
The renewed collaboration between the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the office of the Inspector-General of Police is beginning to yield visible results in the fight against violent crime and insecurity across the state. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and with the strategic support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Rilwan Disu, the Command has intensified proactive policing measures aimed at restoring peace and protecting residents.
A major boost to this effort is the creation of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), an initiative introduced by the Inspector-General to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and dismantle criminal networks nationwide.
In Akwa Ibom State, the unit has quickly emerged as a vital force in confronting violent crimes, drug-related activities, and other security threats.
Acting on credible intelligence and in line with the operational vision championed by CP Baba Azare, operatives of the VCRU on May 7, 2026, launched a tactical operation at a suspected criminal hideout situated along Ikot Abasi Road in Abak.
The forest location had reportedly become a gathering point for suspected hoodlums involved in drug abuse and the planning of attacks against innocent citizens.
The operation demonstrated the growing synergy between the Inspector-General’s reform agenda and the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to maintain law and order. On noticing the approach of security operatives, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning several incriminating items.
During the raid, officers recovered a locally fabricated firearm, a live cartridge, mobile phones believed to contain useful intelligence, substances suspected to be illicit drugs, alcoholic sachets, and an unregistered QLINK motorcycle.
Security authorities say the recovered items are already assisting ongoing investigations aimed at tracking and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
Observers believe the successful operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the importance of sustained collaboration between national police leadership and state commands.
CP Baba Azare has consistently emphasized professionalism, rapid response, and strategic crime prevention as key pillars of policing under his administration.
Security stakeholders have also praised the VCRU operatives for their discipline and swift execution of the operation, describing it as a strong signal that law enforcement agencies are determined to deny criminals safe havens within the state.
CP Baba Azare reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations against criminal hideouts while expanding visibility policing across communities. He stressed that the Police will continue working closely with the Inspector-General’s office to strengthen public safety and ensure that Akwa Ibom remains secure for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The Police leadership also called on members of the public to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information that can aid crime prevention and criminal investigations. According to the Command, community cooperation remains essential in the collective effort to end violence and build lasting peace in Akwa Ibom State.