By 
By Braxton Ilobah
Authorities of the Nigeria Army have explained the reason for the recent military and joint security operation in parts of Akwa Ibom State.
SECURITY REPORTERS.com gathered that the action was precipitated by a sudden increase in the spate of criminal activities in some parts particularly Essien Udom Local Government Area of the State.
Confirming this, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima in a statement on Wednesday said “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. 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.”
The Army spokesman added that normalcy has been restored in the area while the Police personnel have since assumed full control and carrying out normal duties.
Members of the public have therefore been advised not to panic but to remain calm and continue to support the security agencies to further consolidate on the successes recorded so far
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