Akwa Ibom Police seizes IPOB vehicle ladened with guns, ammunitions, others as suspects flee
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle ladened with ammunitions, guns and assorted charms from persons suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at Ikot Ekpene on Thursday.
The incident, which occured on August, 29, 2024 along the Stadium Road in Abiakpo Edem Inyang Village followed intelligence report during intensive patrol by police personnel in the area.
According to a statement issued and signed by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Timfon John which was made available to the media on Sunday in Uyo, said police personnel on duty flagged down a Lexus Jeep with the registration number KUJ 886 FF.
Two persons, (a driver and another) in the vehicle alighted from the car and suddenly took to their heels into the nearby bush, and on closed inspection, the police recovered arms and ammunition from the suspected IPOB agents vehicle 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 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 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 statement added.
Police PPRO further stated that, the police personnel with the assistance of the village youth combed the bush in search of the fleeing suspects and no arrest made.
While the team has determined to go after the fleeing IPOB suspects and other accomplices, the Command appeals to residents of the community and State in general to be vigilant and report suspicious persons to the Police for action.
