Police raid criminal hideouts in Abia, arrest 31 over drugs

The Abia State Police has carried out raids on criminal hideouts in the state. They arrested 31 suspects for allegedly possessing illegal drugs.

The police shared this news in a statement on Monday. Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer, spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.

The arrested suspects include 30 men aged from 22 to 46 and one woman.

Chinaka explained that the operation was ordered by the Commissioner of Police. This was part of a plan to increase raids on criminal areas in the state.

She said, "According to the order from the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, to the strategic Officers of the Command, and following the ongoing Command's operational strategies, we have intensified efforts to take the fight to criminal enclaves."

Acting on tips, operatives from the Central Police Station in Umuahia teamed up with local vigilantes. They raided known trouble spots in the Mission Hill/New Road area, commonly called "Down Below."

The statement added, "This area is hidden, with a deep valley that leads into the bush. Another hideout at Amuzukwu, known for drug storage and as a hideaway for criminals, was also raided successfully."

During the operation, 30 men and one woman were arrested. The police also found substances believed to be illegal drugs.

The command stated that on July 1, 2026, they returned to the same spots based on continued intelligence. They discovered camps that criminals were allegedly using.

The statement said, "About eight tents and camps made from baboon sticks and tarpaulin were destroyed and burned to ashes. This was done to break up the criminal groups and stop their activities. All suspects have been taken to court and are now in the correctional service."

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command's promise to fight crime in the state.

He mentioned that the command would keep reviewing and improving its strategies to ensure residents' safety and maintain pressure on criminals.

Isa also called on the public to help the police. He asked them to provide timely and reliable information about criminal activities to the closest police station.