The Abia State Police Command has dismantled a suspected criminal camp in Unuobasi Forest, Umunneochi Local Government Area, in a renewed effort to flush out criminal elements and enhance security across the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, who said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with a local security outfit in Umuobasi.

According to the statement, the operation was conducted on June 28, 2026, following credible intelligence that led security personnel to the suspected hideout deep inside the forest.

During the raid, operatives located and destroyed the camp, disrupting suspected criminal activities within the area.

DSP Chinaka stated that security surveillance of the forest and surrounding communities has been intensified to prevent criminals from returning or establishing new operational bases.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Danladi Isa, assured residents that the Command would not allow any part of the state to serve as a safe haven for criminals.

He reaffirmed the police's commitment to preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice, stressing that proactive operations against criminal groups and their hideouts would continue across the state.

The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious individuals, movements, and activities within their communities.

He noted that effective policing depends on strong collaboration between security agencies and the public, adding that intelligence provided by residents remains a vital tool in combating crime.

The Police Command further advised residents to promptly report any security concerns to the nearest police station or through its emergency response lines as part of collective efforts to sustain peace and security across Abia State.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring citizens that sustained operations targeting criminal hideouts would continue until the state is rid of criminal elements.