Nigeria, April 8 -- The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested seven suspects and recovered firearms and other incriminating items during a raid on a facility allegedly used as a criminal hideout disguised as a church.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 April, at Ndiya Mfia Community in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, following a credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were operating from the location under the cover of a religious centre.

Timfon John, the police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, disclosed this in a statement. She said one of the suspects, Brain Ebeka, was identified as the "Preacher".

Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, later told PREMIUM TIMES that the facil...