Calabar: The Police Command in Cross River has announced the apprehension of a suspected 60-year-old gun runner and the recovery of two locally fabricated firearms. The command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, released a statement on Monday detailing the arrest, which took place in Odukpani Local Government Area at around 1700 hours on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal arms and violent crime in the state. The operation was initiated following credible intelligence received by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit regarding the activities of a suspected arms trafficker in the Ubanbat community of Odukpani.
Acting on this intelligence, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the area, leading to the apprehension of the suspect. A thorough search of the suspect resulted in the recovery of two locally fabricated long guns that were concealed in his possession. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect is involved in the illicit trafficking of firearms and has been using covert methods to evade detection.
The suspect has provided valuable information that is aiding ongoing investigations into a broader network of illegal arms fabrication and distribution within the state. ASP Eitokpah emphasized the commitment of the state Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, to safeguarding lives and property across the state. He also urged the public to support the police by providing timely and credible information through the command’s emergency contact lines.