Akwa Ibom State Police Command Cracks Down on Drug Hotspots in Itu, Arrests 18 in Midnight Raid

In a sweeping midnight operation described as intelligence-led and uncompromising, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled suspected drug enclaves in Itu Local Government Area, arresting 18 suspects and recovering a substantial quantity of substances believed to be cannabis and other hard drugs.

The coordinated raid, carried out at about 11:20 p.m. on February 22, 2026, targeted locations in Oku Iboko Village and Mbak Community, areas authorities say had recently emerged as active drug distribution hubs.

Police sources disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence linking the identified hideouts to rising incidents of youth delinquency, violent crimes, and other social vices within the locality. Acting on the information, operatives stormed the enclaves under the cover of darkness, catching suspects off guard.

Among those arrested was George Timothy, alongside 17 others found at the scene. Officers reportedly recovered a significant quantity of suspected narcotics, which have been secured as exhibits pending forensic examination and further investigation.

Preliminary findings, according to the Command, indicate that the raided locations served as distribution points supplying illicit substances to users and street-level dealers within and beyond Itu.

Investigators are now working to unravel the broader network, with efforts underway to identify financiers, suppliers, and other collaborators believed to be linked to the operation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, issued a stern warning to individuals and groups engaged in drug trafficking and related criminal enterprises across the state.

“There will be no safe haven for narcotics traffickers and criminal elements in Akwa Ibom State,” the Commissioner declared, reaffirming the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related offenses.

He emphasized that intelligence-driven raids would be intensified across all 31 Local Government Areas until every identified drug den and criminal hideout is dismantled.

Security analysts note that drug trafficking has been closely associated with a spike in violent crimes in several communities, with law enforcement agencies increasingly adopting proactive strategies to disrupt supply chains at their roots.

The Police Command has called on parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable intelligence. Authorities stressed that community cooperation remains critical in sustaining the fight against narcotics and ensuring long-term public safety.

“Those who undermine the peace and safety of Akwa Ibom State should be prepared for swift and decisive action,” the statement warned.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue and suspects are formally charged in court.

The press release was signed by DSP Timfon John, LLB, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command.