Calabar – The Cross River police command on Friday paraded 18 notorious suspected criminals arrested by men of the command for various offences committed between Dec. 2016 and Feb. 2017.
Parading the suspects before newsmen, Mr Hafiz Inuwa, acting Commissioner of Police, said they committed various crimes ranging from murder, armed robbery, car snatching, rape and others.
He said the arrest was made possible through the alertness and constant patrol of his men in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
He said that on Dec. 25, 2016, a group of bandit carrying dangerous weapons, invaded a shopping complex at Watt Market, Calabar,
He said that the bandits stole N45, 000 and other valuables including the phone belonging to the owner of the complex.
Inuwa said: “on receipt of this information, my men swung into action which led to the arrest of one Augustine Bernard, 22; other members of the gang are still at large.
“The suspect confessed to the crime and he will be charged to court soon.
“On Jan. 13, 2017, one Daniel Lekam, forcefully entered into the residence of one Okon John and robbed him of his phones.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime which led to the arrest of two of his gang members, Esessien Essien and Kenneth Omenka.
“Also, on Jan. 28, 2017, one Awara Odoji and Obaseota Etta were arrested for attacking a businessman and robbing him of his car and other valuables.
“On the whole, between Dec. 2016 till date, we have arrested no fewer than 18 suspected notorious criminals for various offences across the state,’’
The commissioner listed items recovered from suspects to include, 11 locally made pistols, two axes, two vehicles, one matchet and several live cartridges.
“The war against crime and criminality in the state is a continuous process and requires the collaborative efforts of all and sundry.
“The police in partnership with other security agencies will not rest until the war against crime and all forms of illegality are fully won,’’ he promised.
The commissioner commended members of the public for providing timely and useful information to the command to enhance its operations.