Explosives Found and Neutralised Inside Akwa Ibom Prison — Police

Security operatives in Akwa Ibom State have uncovered and safely neutralised explosive devices hidden inside the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre, in what authorities say could have been a catastrophic incident if not detected in time.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirmed the discovery on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, stating that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence from community sources. Acting on the tip-off, a coordinated security team moved into the facility, located the devices, and safely rendered them harmless.

Officials described the neutralisation as averting what could have been a devastating tragedy. The speed of the response was credited to the community-based intelligence that flagged the threat before any harm was done.

How Did Explosives Get Into a Prison?

The more unsettling question is how explosive materials made their way into a custodial facility in the first place. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the devices and establish how they were smuggled in.

The Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre houses a significant number of inmates, including high-profile suspects and convicted criminals. A successful detonation within the facility would have had devastating consequences — for inmates, prison staff, and potentially surrounding communities.

Security agencies have not yet confirmed whether any suspects have been arrested in connection with the plot. The Nigerian Correctional Service and the police are expected to conduct a full internal audit of security procedures at the centre following the discovery.

This is not the first time Nigerian custodial centres have come under scrutiny. In recent years, facilities across the country have recorded jailbreaks, armed attacks, and contraband smuggling — raising serious questions about the state of correctional infrastructure and perimeter security nationwide.

Residents of Ikot Ekpene and surrounding areas have been reassured that the threat has been contained and that no explosion occurred.

Sources: Times NG, AllAfrica, News Central TV