The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 23 male suspects linked to criminal activities and seized large quantities of suspected illicit drugs during a targeted operation at the Ibaka Fishing Port.
The raid, carried out by operatives of the Command, followed actionable intelligence identifying suspected criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation took place between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, and 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, 6 February 2025.
“Between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, and 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, 6th February 2025, operatives of the Command, acting on credible information, carried out a strategic night operation targeting criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis,” the statement read.
Several identified black spots within the Ibaka Fishing Port were searched, resulting in the arrest of suspects including Sampson Newstyle, Godgift Benabinte, Michael Asukwo, Prince Ene, Goodnews Asukwo, Golden Edu, and 17 others.
Recovered items included large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, chemically enhanced variants of the same substance, illicit locally brewed drinks, and containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.
DSP John noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ level of involvement in criminal activities and to identify other individuals connected to the drug network operating in the area.
He added that the Ibaka axis remains calm, with enhanced patrols and surveillance deployed to prevent a resurgence of criminal activity. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse, trafficking, and other criminal acts, warning that sustained intelligence-led operations will continue across the state until all criminal black spots are dismantled.
