May 08, (THEWILL) — The newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recorded a major operational breakthrough following an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Abak Local Government Area.
THEWILL reports that police operatives attached to the unit stormed a forest camp along Ikot Abasi Road, Abak, on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, following credible intelligence linking the location to criminal activities, including drug abuse and the planning of attacks on residents.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspects fled into the forest upon sighting the advancing operatives, abandoning several incriminating items at the scene.
Items recovered during the operation included a locally made firearm, one live cartridge, two mobile phones, substances suspected to be hard drugs, sachets of alcoholic beverages, and an unregistered QLINK motorcycle.
The Police said the recovered exhibits have been secured at the VCRU office while investigations continue to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects using intelligence extracted from the recovered phones and other operational leads.
The VCRU was recently established by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Rilwan Disu, as part of efforts to strengthen proactive policing and combat violent crimes nationwide.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said the raid underscored the effectiveness of the new unit in tackling violent crimes, drug-related activities, and criminal networks across the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations, raids on criminal hideouts, and enhanced visibility policing to protect lives and property.
The Commissioner also warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face decisive police action.
The Command further appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts at maintaining peace and security across the state.
