Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested four suspects and recovered a locally fabricated pistol, suspected hard drugs, charms and other items during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Uyo.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence.

She said police operatives stormed the hideout at Mbiabong Ikot Essien, off Oron Road in Uyo Local Government Area, on July 26 at about 7:30 p.m. The compound was reportedly owned by one Imo, whose surname has yet to be identified.

According to John, several suspects fled on sighting the police team, but four suspects, aged between 15 and 21 years, were apprehended during the operation.

She said a search of the premises led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, assorted charms, plumbing materials suspected to have been stolen, and several packaged clothing items believed to be proceeds of theft.

The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.

She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, burglary, drug-related offences and other forms of criminality across the state.

John also urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue to support the police with timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.