Following the reported incidents of violent crimes in Nigeria, including some southern parts of the country, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has begun the construction of a Counter Terrorism Unit, CTU, base in his home town, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state.
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 tackle any form of insurgency that may emerge in the state.
While noting that the governor had already secured approval from the Nigeria 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, saying that it was important for the state to be on the alert against what he described as an "emerging security threat."
According to him, "The governor has secured the approval of the Force headquarters to construct 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 his Excellency 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, protection of critical infrastructures and handling of hostage situations."
Essien also revealed an oncoming Centralized Security and Emergency Response Centre in the state.
He said the centre will serve as a digital nerve that will coordinate security operations, real-time surveillance, information sharing among security agencies, emergency fire and ambulance service management across the state.
Essien stated that the structure would support intelligence, early warning, and protection of critical government assets within the communities.
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.
Insurgency: Eno sets up counter terrorism unit base in Akwa Ibom