Security Agents Intercept IED At Cross River Custodial Centre

There was an attempt to bomb a custodial centre in Ikot Ekpene, Cross River state but foiled by Security agencies.

This update was disclosed  at a joint security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

NCoS spokesperson Jane Osuji disclosed that the service recorded zero prison breaks nationwide between January and June 2026.

She said “eagle-eyed officers” intercepted an IED at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikot Ekpene, preventing what could have been a major security breach.

She also reported zero prison breaks, hundreds of repatriation, and the dismantling of an illegal arms factory in the first half of 2026.

According to her, intelligence-led operations also led to the arrest of six suspected traffickers attempting to smuggle prohibited items into custodial centres in Agodi, Kano, Ondo, Akure, Kaduna and Kuje.

“Routine searches recovered 1,167 contraband items, including 130 mobile phones, 2.5kg of Indian hemp, 268 illicit drugs, 41 MP3 speakers, 24 power banks and cash.”

Osuji revealed that 628 violent extremist offenders remain in lawful custody under enhanced monitoring. She added that 22 security infrastructure projects were completed or ongoing, while 27 personnel were sanctioned under a zero-tolerance policy.

“The recidivism rate dropped from 88% to 30% over three years, following vocational training, psychosocial support, and non-custodial measures. Nine inmates were granted parole for the first time under the system.

NIS spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi said the service repatriated 567 foreign nationals and rescued 563 victims of human trafficking between January and May