Police Violent Crime Response Unit Records Breakthrough in Akwa Ibom Raid

The newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational success in Akwa Ibom State following a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Friday, May 8, 2026.

She said the operation was carried out in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the strategies of the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare.

According to the statement, operatives of the VCRU conducted an intelligence-led raid on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m. on a forest hideout along Ikot Abasi Road in Abak Local Government Area.

The location was described as a notorious gathering point for criminal elements who allegedly use hard drugs and plan attacks against unsuspecting residents.
On sighting the advancing police team, the suspects fled into the forest, abandoning several items.

Items recovered during the operation include a locally made gun, one live cartridge, mobile phones, quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs, sachets of alcoholic beverages, and a QLINK motorcycle without registration number.

The police said all recovered exhibits have been taken into custody at the VCRU office, while investigations are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects using intelligence gathered from the recovered items.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, noting that the success underscores the effectiveness of the newly created unit in tackling violent crimes and drug-related activities.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations, including raids on criminal hideouts and enhanced visibility policing to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
The police also warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face decisive action, while urging members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.