Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have brought down the building serving as the operational headquarters of Ibom Youth Council, IYC, at Ikot Isighe, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday said the demolition followed the proscription of the group by the governor, Umo Eno.
“Following the proscription of the Ibom Youth Council by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, and his directive to security agencies to immediately end the nefarious activities of the group, a joint security team, acting on credible intelligence, visited the building serving as the operational headquarters of the illegal group at Ikot Isighe, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
“On arrival at the locus criminis, members of the group fled in different directions.
The operation led to the arrest of three (3) suspects, and their headquarters was demolished,” the statement said.
According to the statement, available evidence showed that the group had not only begun procuring arms but had also commenced military training, attacks on security formations, and infractions on private property.
It noted that the group plans to launch a full-scale disruption of law and order in the closing days of 2024 and sustain the unrest into the new year.
“The security apparatus, with the full backing of the state government, is determined to use all legal means to maintain Akwa Ibom’s hard-earned status as the most peaceful state in the country.
“To this end, citizens are advised to remain vigilant and share information about persons or groups engaging in activities capable of disturbing public peace.”
The Command also warned landlords to be cautious before leasing their properties to individuals or organizations, saying that any property used in the commission of crimes, especially acts of subversion against the state, will be demolished, and the owners will be treated as accomplices.