Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected drug baron, Ofonime Etim, after dismantling a notorious drug bunker in a renewed offensive against criminal elements in the state.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Timfon John, in Uyo on Wednesday disclosed that the suspect was arrested in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area of the state, while stolen property, including assorted drugs, was recovered in the operation.
According to the statement, the operatives, acting on intelligence, conducted a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting a criminal enclave, suspected to have been a haven for drug traffickers, receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements terrorising residents of the area.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against criminal elements, with the successful dismantling of a notorious drug bunker, recovery of suspected stolen property, and arrest of a suspected drug baron in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command carried out a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting a criminal enclave believed to have served as a haven for drug traffickers, receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements who had been terrorising residents.
“During the operation, one suspect, Ofonime Etim, male, of Ikot Ebom Itam, was arrested.
“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 (rizlas), axes, machetes, vandalised electrical wires, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminium windows, cartons of assorted provisions and beverages, cartons of sachet alcoholic drinks, a submersible water pump, and several electronic and electrical appliances reasonably suspected to be stolen property,” the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, the statement explained that community members commended the police for their professionalism, noting that the activities of the suspect and his associates had posed a serious threat to public safety and security in the area.
The statement added, “Residents of the community commended the police for the successful operation, noting that the activities of the suspect and his associates had long posed a serious threat to public safety and security in the area.”
The command spokesperson further disclosed that the village council chairman identified the recovered property, noting that the submersible water pump belongs to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall borehole facility, which had earlier been reported stolen.
While disclosing that the suspect confessed to stealing the pump from the community facility, the command spokesperson also said preliminary investigations indicated that the premises once functioned as a major distribution point for illicit drugs and a repository for suspected stolen items.
“In the course of the operation, the village chairman, whose identity is withheld, positively identified the recovered submersible water pump as property belonging to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall 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.
“Further investigations are ongoing to identify owners of the recovered properties, trace additional victims, and apprehend other members of the criminal network connected to the operation.”
While noting that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, John said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of drug traffickers, vandals, and cultists, assuring members of the public that Operation Zero Black Spots remains active and effective.
