The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Akwa Ibom State Directorate, has sounded the alarm over the widespread circulation of counterfeit ₦1,000 notes in the state’s riverine areas.
In a press release issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesperson, Jackson Ibok, identified Udung Uko, Mbo, Oron, Okobo, and Ibeno as the key communities affected by the illicit activity.
According to the NOA State Director, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, intelligence reports indicate that criminal syndicates are targeting local markets with fake ₦1,000 notes—specifically those bearing batch numbers 364232 and 898248. The counterfeit notes are reported to have blurred portraits, unclear watermarks, and irregular security features, making them distinguishable from genuine currency.
Mkpoutom condemned the act as “unpatriotic and heinous,” warning that it poses a serious threat to the local economy by defrauding POS operators and unsuspecting traders.
He called on the public to remain vigilant and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies as efforts intensify to apprehend the perpetrators.
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