The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has disclosed an alleged plot to unleash mayhem on the state by the militant wing of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
LEADERSHIP gathered that the militants were ferrying dangerous weapons into the state in preparation to the offensive, buy were apprehended at the border area between Akwa Ibom and Abia State within Ikot Ekpene local government area.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Timfon John told Journalists in Uyo, that the plot was uncovered and busted following actionable intelligence from members of the society.
She said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has 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 LGA, upon intelligence information that IPOB were 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 ammunition; one locally made long range pistol, one cartridge, four 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.”
ASP John added that the team, with the assistance of the village youth combed the forest in search of the fleeing suspects “but no arrest has been made so far,” adding, “The team is not resting on its oars as it is determined to fetch the suspects and whoever is their sponsors and accomplices.
The Command then appealed to residents of the community and State to be vigilant and report suspicious and unknown movements to the Police for outright action.
The state’s image-maker also expressed the full commitment of the Police to make Akwa Ibom very hot and uncomfortable for criminal elements.
