By Joseph Itang, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled an attempted bomb attack at the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre, recovering high explosive ordnance within the facility.

In a statement issued on Monday night, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed that operatives acted on credible intelligence provided by authorities of the correctional centre.

Upon receiving the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, immediately ordered the deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit from BomPol Base 38 in Uyo, alongside other tactical teams, to secure the area.

A coordinated search and sweep operation subsequently led to the recovery of two 90mm high explosive rounds, a 45 centimetre burning fuse, a pair of pincers, a flat screwdriver, two 12mm iron chisels, and a six centimetre conduit iron pipe.

According to the statement, the EOD team successfully rendered the explosive devices safe, neutralising any imminent threat and averting potential loss of lives and damage to critical infrastructure.

The Command has since reinforced security around the correctional facility and its surrounding areas, with enhanced surveillance, stricter access control measures, and sustained patrols to deter further threats.

It added that discreet investigations and technical analysis are ongoing to determine the origin of the explosives and to apprehend those responsible.

The Commissioner of Police reassured residents that the situation is fully under control, with no casualties recorded, and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or objects.

He further warned that the Command would not tolerate attempts to undermine public safety or target critical institutions, stressing that Akwa Ibom State remains resolute in its stance against crime and criminality.