The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the recovery of several arms and ammunition allegedly linked to suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This development occurred during an intensive patrol operation in the state.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, the recovery took place on Thursday, August 29, 2024, along Stadium Road in Abiakpo Edem Inyang Village, located in the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa ibom. The statement, which was shared with the press on Sunday, detailed the events leading to the discovery of the weapons.
The police reported that their operatives were conducting a patrol based on intelligence suggesting that IPOB agents were planning an attack on the state and its facilities. During the patrol, the team spotted a Lexus Jeep with registration number KUJ 886 FF. Upon seeing the police, two young men reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby forest.
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A search of the abandoned vehicle uncovered a cache of weapons and other items, including one AK-47 rifle loaded with eight rounds of 8MM ammunition, a locally made long-range pistol, a cartridge, four different vehicle number plates, ATM cards from Zenith and Access Banks, a national driver’s license, black clothing, bags containing what appeared to be marijuana, and a torchlight.
Despite the recovery of these items, the police were unable to apprehend the suspects, who managed to escape. The statement noted that the search for the fleeing individuals continued with the assistance of local youths, but no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. Additionally, the statement did not specify any evidence directly linking the suspects to IPOB.
The police have urged residents of the community and the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities to aid in maintaining public safety.
