Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully averted what could have been a catastrophic security incident at the Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Centre in Ikot Ekpene, following the prompt recovery and neutralisation of high explosive ordnance found near the facility. Acting on reliable intelligence received from correctional officials on Monday, April 27, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, immediately ordered the deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit from BomPol Base 38 in Uyo, along with other tactical teams, to secure the area and conduct a coordinated search. The operation led to the discovery of two 90mm high explosive rounds, a 45‑centimetre length of burning fuse, one pair of pincers, one flat screwdriver, two pieces of 12mm iron chisels, and one 6‑centimetre conduit iron pipe.
The recovery of the two 90mm high explosive rounds was the most alarming find. Such ordnance, if detonated, would have caused massive destruction, potentially breaching the prison walls, causing multiple casualties among inmates and staff, and endangering the surrounding community. The EOD unit, trained to handle dangerous explosives, rendered the devices safe, neutralising the immediate threat. The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, that the explosive devices were expertly neutralised, preventing any loss of life or damage to critical infrastructure. The successful operation underscores the importance of intelligence sharing between the Nigeria Correctional Service and the police.
The discovery of the explosives near the custodial centre has raised serious questions about security protocols and the possibility of an insider plot or a targeted attack on the facility. The presence of tools such as pincers, screwdrivers, chisels, and a burning fuse alongside the explosive rounds suggests that the materials were not merely discarded but were deliberately placed, possibly for a planned assault or an attempted jailbreak. The police have launched a discreet investigation and technical analysis to trace the origin of the explosives and to apprehend all individuals involved in this dangerous act. The command has also strengthened security around the correctional facility, implementing increased surveillance, access control, and ongoing patrols to deter any further threats.
The Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre is one of the major correctional facilities in Akwa Ibom State, housing hundreds of inmates. Any successful attack on the facility could have led to a mass escape, endangering public safety and undermining the justice system. In recent years, there have been several jailbreaks across Nigeria, often involving armed attacks on custodial centres.
In 2021, gunmen attacked the Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State, freeing over 1,800 inmates. In 2022, a similar attack in Kogi State led to the release of hundreds of prisoners. The prevention of such an incident in Ikot Ekpene is therefore a significant operational success for the security forces.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reassured residents that the situation is completely under control, with no casualties reported.
He has urged the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious individuals or items immediately. Azare also issued a stern warning to criminal elements, stating that the command will not tolerate any attempts to compromise public safety or target critical institutions. “Akwa Ibom State remains hostile to crime and criminality,” he said, emphasising that the police are determined, proactive, and always prepared to safeguard lives and property throughout the state.
The discovery of the explosives also highlights the persistent challenge of arms proliferation in Nigeria. The 90mm high explosive rounds are military‑grade munitions, not typically found in civilian possession. Their presence in a state that has not been a major theatre of insurgency or banditry points to the existence of a clandestine supply chain that could be exploited for future attacks. Security analysts have called for a comprehensive audit of military armouries and stricter control over the movement of explosives. The police have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the discovery, but the investigation is ongoing.
Local residents expressed relief and gratitude to the police for their swift action. A trader near the custodial centre, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We heard rumours that something was going to happen, but the police came and swept the area. We are grateful that nothing terrible happened.” Others called for a permanent police presence around the facility to prevent future incidents. The state government has also commended the security agencies, with a government spokesperson describing the operation as “a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of community‑based intelligence gathering”.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Correctional Service has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources within the service confirmed that they were cooperating fully with the police investigation. The service has been under scrutiny for security lapses at several facilities across the country. The Ikot Ekpene incident may prompt a review of security measures at custodial centres nationwide, including the installation of CCTV cameras, the deployment of additional guards, and the regular sweeping of perimeters for explosives.
As the police continue their investigation, the neutralised explosive devices have been taken to a secure location for forensic analysis. The tools recovered will also be examined for fingerprints and other trace evidence. The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice. For now, the people of Ikot Ekpene can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that a potential disaster has been averted. But the discovery of military‑grade explosives near a prison is a reminder that the threat of violence is never far away, and that the work of the security forces is far from over.
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