Police Raid Suspected Criminal Hideout In Uyo, Arrest Four, Recover Firearm, Drugs

• Police raid suspected criminal hideout in Uyo, arrest four suspects.

• Locally fabricated pistol, suspected cannabis, charms and alleged stolen items recovered.

• Several suspects escaped as operatives stormed the compound off Oron Road. Residents urged to provide credible intelligence to support crime-fighting efforts.

• Command says the operation is part of an intensified crackdown on criminal hideouts across Akwa Ibom.

July 29, () — The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested four suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated pistol, suspected hard drugs, charms and other exhibits during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Uyo.

The intelligence-led operation was carried out on July 26 at about 7:30 p.m. at Mbiabong Ikot Essien, off Oron Road in Uyo Local Government Area. The property is reportedly owned by a man identified only as Imo, whose surname has yet to be established.

Police said several suspects fled on sighting the operatives, but four others were apprehended during the operation. They were identified as Idonranyen Bassey, 18; Emmanuel Rafael, 15; Messiah Vincent, 21; and Goodnews Ubong Bassey, 16.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis, charms, plumbing materials suspected to have been stolen, and several packaged clothing items believed to be proceeds of theft.

According to the Command, the raid formed part of its ongoing offensive against criminality and efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts, eliminate black spots and deny criminal elements safe havens across the state, in line with the operational directives of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, burglary, drug-related offences and other violent crimes across Akwa Ibom.

The Command, however, urged residents to remain security conscious and continue to provide timely and credible information to assist law enforcement agencies in combating crime.