Police arrest 31 suspects, destroy criminal hideouts in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has intensified raids and clearance operations on suspected criminal hideouts across the state, leading to the arrest of 31 suspects and the recovery of substances believed to be illicit drugs.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operations were carried out at the Mission Hill/New Road axis, popularly known as “Down Below,” and the Amuzukwu area.

According to Chinaka, the operation led to the arrest of 30 male suspects and one female suspect, while eight camps allegedly used as hideouts by criminals and locations for drug-related activities were destroyed.

She said the Command had continued to target criminal enclaves across the state in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa.

The police spokesperson added that all arrested suspects had been charged to court and remanded in custody.

The statement partly read: “During the operation, a total of 30 male suspects and one female suspect were apprehended, while various substances suspected to be illicit hard drugs were recovered.

“Furthermore, on 01/07/2026, following sustained intelligence, the same areas were revisited. Several huts and makeshift camps used as safe havens by criminals for concealment and sale of illicit drugs were identified.”

Speaking on the development, CP Isa reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities and its zero tolerance for crime and criminality.