The Akwa Ibom state police command has announced the successful prevention of a planned attack in the state by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Timfon John, the police recovered arms and ammunition from the suspects.
John stated that police operatives, conducting an intensive operation along Stadium Road in Abiakpo Edem village, Ikot Ekpene local government area, apprehended the suspects last Thursday and seized the weapons.
The release reads in parts: “The State Police Command on Thursday, August 29, 2024, recovered arms and ammunition from suspected IPOB agents during an intensive Patrol operation.
“The recovery was made by the Command’s operatives who were on intensive patrol along Stadium Road in Abiakpo Edem Inyang Village, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area upon intelligence information that IPOB was planning to launch an attack on the State and her facilities.
“During the patrol, the Team flagged down a Lexus Jeep with Registration Number KUJ 886 FF. On sighting the police, two unidentified young men came down from the jeep and took to their heels into the nearby forest.
“While searching the Vehicle, the team recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 8 No of 8MM ammunitions; one locally made long-range pistol, one cartridge, 4 different vehicle number plates, Zenith and Access Banks ATM Cards, National Drivers’ License card, black coloured clothes, bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp and a torchlight.
“The team, with the assistance of the village youth combed the forest in search of the fleeing suspects. But no arrest has been made this far. The team is not resting on its para as it is determined to fetch the suspects and whoever is their sponsors and accomplices.
“The Command appeals to residents of the community and State to be vigilant and report suspicious and unknown movements to the Police for outright action. It is the full commitment of the Nigerian Police in the State to make Akwa Ibom very hot and uncomfortable for criminal elements”.
Police foil planned attack in Akwa Ibom by suspected IPOB agents
