Working alongside community vigilantes, acted on credible intelligence to raid identified black spots within the Mission Hill/New Road axis, popularly known as “Down Below
By Emeka Uche
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Published on July 14, 2026
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3 min read
The Abia State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on crime with the arrest of 31 suspects during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in Umuahia, while also demolishing several makeshift camps allegedly used for illicit drug activities.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the operation was carried out in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, as part of the command’s ongoing clearance operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.
The police said operatives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia, working alongside community vigilantes, acted on credible intelligence to raid identified black spots within the Mission Hill/New Road axis, popularly known as “Down Below.”
The area, described by the command as a secluded valley extending into the bush, has allegedly served as a hideout for criminal elements. Another location at Amuzukwu, also identified as a hub for drug bunkering and a refuge for suspected criminals, was similarly raided.
During the operation, police arrested 30 male suspects aged between 22 and 46 years, alongside one female suspect. Officers also recovered various substances suspected to be illicit hard drugs from the locations.
The command disclosed that sustained intelligence gathering led to a follow-up operation on July 1, 2026, during which officers revisited the affected areas and uncovered additional structures allegedly used by criminal syndicates.
Police said about eight tents and makeshift camps constructed with baboon sticks and tarpaulin materials, believed to have been used as safe havens for concealing suspects and selling illicit drugs, were destroyed and burnt.
According to the statement, the destruction of the camps was aimed at dislodging criminal groups and disrupting their operations within the affected communities.
The command confirmed that all 31 suspects have been charged to court and remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of their cases.
Reaffirming the command’s resolve to combat crime, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa said the police would continue to strengthen operational strategies to deny criminals safe havens anywhere in Abia State.
He stressed that the command maintains zero tolerance for crime and criminality and remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“Abia State will remain unsafe for criminals. The Command will continue to review and implement improved operational strategies to ensure the continuous safety of all residents, as the fight against crime will be taken directly to the criminal enclaves,” the commissioner stated.
He also urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines whenever they observe suspicious activities.
The police reiterated that community partnership remains essential in sustaining the fight against crime and ensuring a safer Abia State.
