By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
…Seize Wraps of Marijuana, Cocaine From Suspects
The Cross River State Police Command yesterday in Calabar arrested three suspected sea pirates, four kidnappers and 24 others for alleged involvement in armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Aminu Alhassan stated this while parading the suspects before newsmen in Calabar yesterday.
The CP stated that the era of criminality is over, warning every one residing in the state to desist forth from involving themselves in all forms of criminality or be ready to face the full wrath of the police, who are ready to go the extra mile in keeping the state safe.
Alhassna said, “The Command’s determination is geared towards surmounting the daunting security challenges, which include: pockets of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and most worrisome of all, intra/inter communal crises.
“These may not be achieved without the tacit cooperation of the state government, corporate bodies, as well as well meaning CrossRiverians, we therefore appeal for their full collaboration in the fight against criminals and all forms of criminality, because security is everybody’s business.
“The Command in performing it’s statutory functions will not tolerate any unwholesome behaviour from any quarter, whether by individuals or group of persons, who may jeopardize the peace of our dear state or pose a threat to law abiding citizens at any given time.”
He further stated that 31 suspects were nabbed by officers and men of the command within the period under review, including four suspected sea pirates, three kidnap suspects, armed robbers, rapists amongst others.
The CP commended the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping and Cultism Squad, SP A. Awodi, and his team for their display of gallantry and high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duty.
The pocket commissioner charged officers on duty to keep up the good work while assuring the public of the police’s willingness to rid the state of every criminal element to keep Cross River State safe.
One of the suspected sea pirates, 56-year-old Francis Napoleon, who claimed to be a fish trader, denied his involvement in any criminal activity, stressing that he was forcefully arrested by the police while on his legitimate business along Bakassi and Rivers State.
Items recovered from the suspects include: 31 wraps of cocaine, Mercedes Benz with registration number CP 603 FST, six locally made pistols, one locally made revolver, a vehicle containing 200 hundred litres of sealed hydraulic oil amongst others.
The CP stated that the suspects would soon be charge to court immediately every aspect of the investigation is completed by police.
