Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have recovered large quantities of suspected illicit drugs from a criminal hideout in Ibadan following credible intelligence from a partner agency.

The command said information indicated that an apartment along Abanise Street, Academy area, Olomi, Ibadan, was being used to stockpile suspected illicit drugs by one Oluwadamilare Adedayo, prompting detectives to move to the location to verify the report.

A search of the apartment led to the recovery of nine bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 101 wraps of substances suspected to be Canadian Loud, as well as other illicit drugs, which were secured as exhibits, disrupting a suspected drug distribution network in the area.

In a statement yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspect was absent at the time of the operation, adding that surveillance and a coordinated manhunt had been launched on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, to apprehend him.

Haruna also commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for continued support that has strengthened intelligence-led operations nationwide.

Meanwhile, the command said it had begun investigations into an alleged child abuse case involving a six-year-old girl in Ibadan. The police said a 65-year-old suspect, identified as Ibrahim Raheem, had been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the command, the victim was taken to hospital for medical examination and psychosocial care, while investigations into the matter are ongoing.