Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has begun the development of a Counter terrorism Unit base in his residence city, Nsit Ubium Local Government, following the reported incidents of violent crimes throughout the Southern area.
The transfer, in accordance with the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Maj.-Gen. Koko Essien, rtd, throughout a Ministerial Press Briefing in Uyo on Friday, would forestall or readily deal with any type of insurgency which will emerge in the state.
While noting that the governor had already secured approval from the Nigerian Police Force to that impact, Essien dismissed the narrative that building of the Base was pointless, as there was no insurgency menace in Akwa Ibom.
He mentioned it was necessary for the state to be on alert towards what he described as “rising safety threats.”
According to him, “The governor has secured the approval of the Force headquarters to assemble a counter-terrorism unit base in Nsit Ubium, Akwa Ibom, to fight terrorism and violent crimes.
“Some folks ask, if there may be terrorism in Akwa Ibom, why CTU? There is one thing in safety we name rising threats. Initially, we thought terrorism was restricted to the North. We all know what has occurred in the South lately; a few states have witnessed that, and now we have to be ready. That’s why the governor has determined that we have to put together for such emergencies.
“CTU is a specialised department of the Nigeria Police created to fight terrorism, armed insurgency, and violent crime throughout the nation. It can even verify terrorist plots, defend essential infrastructure, and deal with hostage conditions.”
Essien additionally famous that the Centralised Security and Emergency Response Centre would quickly be commissioned.
He mentioned the centre will function a digital nerve that can coordinate safety operations, real-time surveillance, info sharing amongst safety companies, and emergency fireplace and ambulance service administration throughout the state.
On the proposed relocation of Uyo Correctional Centre, the Commissioner hinted that the state authorities has already acquired a big expanse of land at Nung Ukim Ikono for that objective however awaits the approval of the Federal Ministry of Interior.
