Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
UYO, Nigeria – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a notorious drug bunker and arrested a suspected drug baron, Ofonime Etim, during an intelligence-led operation in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area. The police also recovered a submersible water pump stolen from a community borehole, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminium windows, vandalised electrical wires, axes, machetes, cartons of illicit gin, and substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, the command announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, told journalists in Uyo that operatives of the command conducted a coordinated operation targeting a criminal enclave that had served as a haven for drug traffickers, receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements who had been terrorising residents of the area. According to DSP John, the operation led to the arrest of Ofonime Etim, male, of Ikot Ebom Itam. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, numerous packets of rolling papers (rizlers), axes, machetes, vandalised electrical wires, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminium windows, cartons of assorted provisions and beverages, cartons of sachet illicit gin, a submersible water pump, and several electronic and electrical appliances reasonably suspected to be stolen property.
During the operation, the Village Chairman of Ikot Ebom Itam, whose identity was withheld, positively identified the recovered submersible water pump as property belonging to the community’s borehole facility, which had earlier been reported stolen. Upon interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to stealing the pump from the community facility. Preliminary investigations indicate that the premises functioned as a major distribution point for illicit drugs and a repository for suspected stolen items.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of drug traffickers, vandals, cultists, receivers of stolen property, and all other criminal elements. He warned that Akwa Ibom State will remain a hostile territory for criminals and assured that the command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks operating within the state.
The suspect will be taken to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command assured members of the public that Operation Zero Black Spots remains active and effective. The command remains resolute in its determination to identify and dismantle all criminal hideouts, drug dens, and black spots across the state and bring those responsible to justice.
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