Military bombards Akpabio’s council area in A’Ibom

A combined military operation has commenced to flush out
criminal elements in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom
following the recent spate of attacks on security operatives in the
council.

Essien Udim, the council area of the Niger Delta Affairs
Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been under siege for
sometimes now by criminal elements suspected to be members of the
proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Last week, three police officers including, a Chief
Superintendent of Police(CSP), was killed in a reprisal attack by
gunmen while four policemen were declared missing.

Military vehicles were also set ablaze by the hoodlums.

To contain the worrisome situation, the military on Tuesday
morning began bombardment of suspected enemy hideouts in the area
even as sounds of gunshots and heavy artillery were heard.

Drones and helicopters were also deployed as they flew at low
levels to ensure proper surveillance of the area.

The military had on Monday asked residents to vacate areas
suspected to be used by as camps by the criminals.

Staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic Ukana in Essien
Udim located few metres from Akpabio’s residence were forced out of
the school campus.

The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Ekpene was also
shut.

The Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Akwa
Ibom state, Captain Godfrey Abakpa confirmed the military operation
to our correspondent in Uyo.

At the time of filing this report, the Army Spokesperson said no
arrest had been made yet.

Asked if the criminals were members of IPOB, he said: ”They are
miscreants for now. We can’t categorise them until they are
apprehended and questioned to know their intention and who sent
them”.

A combined military operation has commenced to flush out
criminal elements in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom
following the recent spate of attacks on security operatives in the
council.

Essien Udim, the council area of the Niger Delta Affairs
Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been under siege for
sometimes now by criminal elements suspected to be members of the
proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Last week, three police officers including, a Chief
Superintendent of Police(CSP), was killed in a reprisal attack by
gunmen while four policemen were declared missing.

Military vehicles were also set ablaze by the hoodlums.

To contain the worrisome situation, the military on Tuesday
morning began bombardment of suspected enemy hideouts in the area
even as sounds of gunshots and heavy artillery were heard.

Drones and helicopters were also deployed as they flew at low
levels to ensure proper surveillance of the area.

The military had on Monday asked residents to vacate areas
suspected to be used by as camps by the criminals.

Staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic Ukana in Essien
Udim located few metres from Akpabio’s residence were forced out of
the school campus.

The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Ekpene was also
shut.

The Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Akwa
Ibom state, Captain Godfrey Abakpa confirmed the military operation
to our correspondent in Uyo.

At the time of filing this report, the Army Spokesperson said no
arrest had been made yet.

Asked if the criminals were members of IPOB, he said: ”They are
miscreants for now. We can’t categorise them until they are
apprehended and questioned to know their intention and who sent
them”.