RismadarVoice Reporters, May 8, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced a significant operational breakthrough following a tactical raid by its newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), during which a firearm, suspected drugs, and other exhibits were recovered in Abak Local Government Area.
According to a press statement issued by the Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr on May 7, 2026, the operation was carried out at about 3:30 p.m. along Ikot Abasi Road, targeting a forest hideout allegedly used by criminal elements as a meeting point for drug abuse and planning of attacks on residents.
The raid was conducted by operatives of the VCRU, a unit recently created by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Rilwan Disu, as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence-led and proactive policing across the country.
During the operation, suspected criminals reportedly fled upon sighting police operatives, abandoning several items at the scene. A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one locally made firearm, one live cartridge, two mobile phones, quantities of suspected hard drugs, sachets of alcoholic beverages, and a QLINK motorcycle without a registration number.
The recovered exhibits have since been taken into custody at the VCRU office, while investigations are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects using intelligence gathered from the seized mobile phones and other leads.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for what he described as a swift and professional operation, noting that the unit’s creation is already yielding results in the fight against violent crime and drug-related activities.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-driven raids, improved visibility policing, and proactive security operations aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command also warned criminal elements to desist from illegal activities or face decisive action, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to aid ongoing investigations and crime prevention efforts.
