Akakan Umoh
Akwa Ibom has acquired land for the relocation of Uyo Correctional Centre to aid expansion of the facility.
Established in 1902 by the colonial masters, the centre was designed for 613 inmates, but the centre now houses more than 1,500 inmates thus causing overcrowding.
The centre is located within the neighborhood of Government House Uyo, the residence of the Chief Judge, the ARISE Palm Resort and the Police Area Command, Wellington Bassey Way.
The Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (Rtd.), speaking during a ministerial briefing in Uyo on Friday, said the government has acquired the land in Nung Ukim Ikono.
Also read: FIDA worried by overstretched facilities at Uyo Custodial Centre
Gen. Essien said there was no room for expansion of the facility which is holding far in excess of its capacity, saying ‘‘It has therefore become imperative that the facility be relocated. Because it is a federal facility, we do not have absolute control of the process.
‘‘A design has been agreed with Federal Ministry of Interior. Construction will commence once there is agreement with the Ministry of Interior,’’ he stated.
On the improvement to the Response Capability of the Security Services, the Commissioner said ‘‘During the period under review, His Excellency graciously purchased and issued out 17 patrol vehicles fitted with modern communication equipment to the security services, mostly to the Police. This has greatly enhanced their response capacity.’’
Speaking on the Joint Maritime Task Force (JMTF), Gen. Essien announced the setting up of the JMTF under the leadership of NNS JUBILEE to further underscore Governor Umo Eno administration’s resolve to strengthen security within the maritime domain.
To boost maritime security, he said the government has purchased 14 patrol boats for the JMTF to help to cover gaps of the Naval, Army and Police gunboats within shallow waters.
Commenting on Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund (AKSTF), the Commissioner acknowledged security as an expensive business, recalling that ‘‘on 16 September 2025, launched the AKSTF, a public-private partnership initiative, to raise and pool capital-intensive resources to support government’s effort in managing security in the State. Government is working on rejigging the operations of the Fund.’’
Stating other achievements of the ministry, he said ‘‘During the life of this administration, we have worked with the various military services to secure additional military bases to the State. The overall aim is to enhance the security of the State both on land and within our waterways, while boosting investor confidence.
According to him, Nigerian Army has commenced the construction of a battalion in Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area beginning with an FOB (with plans to develop additional battalions in Eket and Obot Akara LGAS).’’
Essien announced plans by Nigeria Navy to build Outpost/Base in Stubbs Creek to cover the stretch of Ibeno.
‘‘The maritime environment continues to provide the leverage for economic development of the State through the marine economy, including our oil and gas facilities, most of which are domiciled within the waterways. Development of this Base will strengthen the navy’s capacity to influence security activities within the region.’’
He said the state government has acquired former Mobil Airstrip in Eket to establish 309 Composite Base of the Nigerian Air Force for a full multi-role base hosting different types of aircraft to enhance the security of the state, its waterways (including the oil and gas facilities) as well as influencing security within the Gulf of Guinea.
