By Uko Etim, Uyo
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have raided a criminal hideout at Ifiayong Usuk Village in Uruan LGA, recovering a locally made pistol, live cartridge, and suspected illicit drugs.
The operation, carried out on February 10, 2026, was based on credible intelligence and led to the arrest of one suspect, Joshua Anietie, with commercial quantities of suspected Indian hemp.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday.
According to the statement, one of the he suspects on sighting the police, abandoned a motorcycle, handset, and other items at the scene and fled.
The statement reads, “On Tuesday, 10th February 2026, at about 2305hrs, a patrol team on intensive visibility policing and targeted surveillance based on credible intelligence conducted a raid operation at a place suspected to be a criminal hideout in Ifiayong Usuk Village.
”Upon sighting the Police patrol vehicle, the principal suspect fled the scene, abandoning the following items:
•One locally made pistol
•One live cartridge
•One new Daylong motorcycle without registration number
•One small Itel handset
•Substances suspected to be illicit drugs
”The operation was subsequently extended to Nwaniba Village, where one Joshua Anietie (38 years), male, of Nwaniba Village, was arrested. Wraps of dry weeds suspected to be Indian hemp in commercial quantity were recovered from his possession.
”The arrested suspect is currently undergoing investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
”The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to flushing out criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations,” the statement added.
