Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have uncovered a suspected criminal hideout in Uruan Local Government Area, recovering a locally made pistol, illicit drugs, and other items during a late-night raid.
The operation, carried out at about 11:05 p.m on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, followed what the Command described as sustained intelligence-driven surveillance across the state.
According to a Wednesday statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the patrol team stormed a location in Ifiayong Usuk village believed to be a criminal enclave.
However, the principal suspect reportedly fled on sighting the police patrol vehicle. Items recovered at the scene included a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, a new Daylong motorcycle without a registration number, a small Itel mobile phone, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The police said the operation was extended to Nwaniba Village, where a 38-year-old suspect, identified as Joshua Anietie, was arrested. Wraps of dry weeds suspected to be Indian hemp in commercial quantity were allegedly recovered from him.
The suspect is currently undergoing investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect linked to the initial raid.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, had earlier directed sustained and intelligence-led raids across the state as part of efforts to rid Akwa Ibom of criminal elements.
The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing security operations.