The Abia State Police Command has arrested 31 suspects during a series of raids on criminal hideouts across the state as part of an intensified crackdown on drug-related crimes and other criminal activities.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.
According to the statement, the suspects comprise 30 men aged between 22 and 46 and one woman.
Chinaka said the operation followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police to intensify raids on criminal enclaves across the state.
She said, “In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, to strategic Officers of the Command and following the ongoing Command’s clearance operational strategies and sustained raids on criminal hideouts across the State, the Command has intensified efforts to take the fight to criminal enclaves.”
She added that acting on intelligence, operatives of the Central Police Station, Umuahia, in collaboration with community vigilantes, raided identified black spots within the Mission Hill/New Road axis, popularly known as “Down Below.”
The statement added, “This location is an obscure area characterized by a deep valley stretching into the bush. Another criminal hideout at Amuzukwu, known for drug bunkering and a refuge for criminals, was also successfully raided.”
According to the police, 30 male suspects and one female suspect were arrested during the operation, while substances suspected to be illicit drugs were recovered.
The command also said that on July 1, 2026, operatives revisited the same locations following sustained intelligence gathering and uncovered makeshift camps allegedly used by criminal elements.
The statement said, “About eight (8) tents and camps constructed with baboon sticks and tarpaulin materials were destroyed and burnt to ashes to dislodge the criminal syndicates and disrupt their activities. All suspects have been charged to court and remanded at the correctional service.”
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling crime in the state.
He said the command would continue to review and strengthen its operational strategies to ensure the safety of residents and sustain pressure on criminal elements.
Isa also urged members of the public to support the police by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities to the nearest police station.