Mbak Itam, Nigeria — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five individuals suspected of drug dealing and recovered illicit substances and cash during a raid on a criminal hideout in Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang.

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, followed credible intelligence and is part of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare’s, “Zero Black Spot” initiative. This initiative aims to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Abraham Emmanuel, Happiness Archibong, Esther Okon, Esther Udo, and Chinedu Benjamin. During the raid, police operatives reportedly seized large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, tramadol, loud, and ice.

In addition to the drugs, the police also recovered ₦42,000, which they suspect are proceeds connected to the illicit drug trade. Several other individuals reportedly fled the scene upon the arrival of the police.

Timfon John, the state police spokesperson and a deputy superintendent of police, disclosed these details in a statement released on Wednesday. She stated that Mr. Azare commended the officers for their courage and commitment to duty.

The Commissioner has directed that intelligence-led operations against criminals be sustained, with a particular focus on isolated locations used for drug trafficking, cultism, and violent crimes. The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that criminals have no safe haven in Akwa Ibom State.

The “Zero Black Spot” initiative is designed to disrupt and dismantle locations facilitating criminal activities, thereby enhancing security and public confidence within communities. The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid crime prevention and detection.

These arrests are part of ongoing police efforts to combat criminal activities in Akwa Ibom. Previous operations in June saw the arrest of three individuals for alleged armed robbery and cultism, with firearms and other exhibits recovered. Earlier that month, police also seized a locally made pistol and suspected Indian hemp in Ibeno during an operation targeting illicit substance distribution.