By Favour Adinya, Kate Itam And Fortune Erim
The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspected armed robbers in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The police said during the arrest of the suspects, operational weapons including local short guns were recovered- SP Irene
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Irene Ugbo, in a press release, said the apprehension followed a distress call received on 2nd September 2024, from a motorist traveling from Ikom to Calabar, reporting that they were robbed of their valuables worth four hundred and fifty-five thousand (455,000) Naira by a group of armed robbers.
The suspects were said to have blocked the federal highway along the small Iwuru village in Akamkpa Local Government Area. Upon receiving the report, a team of officers from the Command’s Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Squad (ACKS) stationed at Uyanga swiftly mobilized and responded to the distress call.
SP Irene said through effective intelligence gathering, the squad traced the suspects to their hideout, leading to the arrest of three male robbers who are Sunday Sunday Udo, 27 years old; Godday Friday Essien, 22 years old and Kufre Edet Umoren, 33 years old.
One locally made short gun, three machetes, and one short iron pipe were other items recovered during the raid.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The Command added.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, commended the swift response of the officers and urged citizens to remain vigilant and conscious of illegal activities in their surroundings.
He advised the public to be proactive and report any suspicious behavior or criminal activity to the authorities.
CP Grimah reassured residents of the state of their safety, promising continuous prompt response to emergencies. He also lauded the collaboration between the Command and the public in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the State.
In case of emergencies, the public is advised to contact the Command through the following helplines for efficient service delivery: 08133568456 or 07053355414.
