Ndudi Anyim
A joint operation between the military and other security agencies in Akwa-Ibom State has successfully dislodged hoodlums, who had been unleashing mayhem on residents of Ntak-Ikot-Akpan area of the State.
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, revealed that the hoodlums had earlier attacked and killed some Policemen, and even civilians in the area.
He added that normalcy has since returned to the previously troubled area, and Police personnel back to their duty.
The statement read in part: “ The general security situation in Akwa Ibom State has been very peaceful until recently when the security situation around Essien Udim Local Government Area of the State became tensed occasioned by activities of some hoodlums and criminal elements.
“ The miscreants exploited various avenues to acquire weapons to perpetrate their heinous crimes. In the past few weeks, the group has attacked various security agencies which resulted in the loss of lives and carting away of weapons. The last incident led to the killing of some Policemen including a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). The hoodlums continued to terrorise law abiding citizens through extortions and infringement on their rights.
“ Consequently a combined team of Military and Security Agencies in the State conducted a clearance operation at Ntak Ikot Akpan in order to flush out the miscreants. The operation was successfully executed and resulted in the dislogment of the criminals while fleeing hoodlums were neutralised by the Air Component.
“ Normalcy has been restored in the area while the Police personnel have since assumed full control and carrying out normal duties. ”
The Army spokesperson urged members of the of public not to panic but to remain calm and continue to support security agencies to further consolidate on the successes recorded so far.