Insurgency: Eno sets up counter terrorism unit base in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has begun the construction of a Counter terrorism Unit base in his home town, Nsit Ubium Local Government, following the reported incidents of violent crimes across the Southern region.

The move, according to the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Maj.-Gen. Koko Essien, rtd, during a Ministerial Press Briefing in Uyo on Friday, would forestall or readily tackle any form of insurgency that may emerge in the state.

While noting that the governor had already secured approval from the Nigerian Police Force to that effect, Essien dismissed the narrative that construction of the Base was unnecessary, as there was no insurgency threat in Akwa Ibom.

He said it was important for the state to be on alert against what he described as “emerging security threats.”

According to him, “The governor has secured the approval of the Force headquarters to construct a counter-terrorism unit base in Nsit Ubium, Akwa Ibom, to combat terrorism and violent crimes.

“Some people ask, if there is terrorism in Akwa Ibom, why CTU? There is something in security we call emerging threats. Initially, we thought terrorism was limited to the North. We all know what has happened in the South recently; a couple of states have witnessed that, and we have to be prepared. That’s why the governor has decided that we need to prepare for such emergencies.

“CTU is a specialised branch of the Nigeria Police created to combat terrorism, armed insurgency, and violent crime across the country. It will also check terrorist plots, protect critical infrastructure, and handle hostage situations.”

Essien also noted that the Centralised Security and Emergency Response Centre would soon be commissioned.

He said the centre will serve as a digital nerve that will coordinate security operations, real-time surveillance, information sharing among security agencies, and emergency fire and ambulance service management across the state.

On the proposed relocation of Uyo Correctional Centre, the Commissioner hinted that the state government has already acquired a large expanse of land at Nung Ukim Ikono for that purpose but awaits the approval of the Federal Ministry of Interior.