In a significant crackdown on security threats, the Cross River State Police Command, led by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Ukachi Opara, has apprehended six suspected Ambazonian rebels in Akamkpa Local Government Area. This pivotal operation, executed on October 10, has brought the ongoing security challenges in the region into sharp focus, triggering unrest among local communities.
During a press briefing over the weekend at the Command Headquarters in Calabar, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer DSP Igiri Ewa detailed the dramatic events leading to the arrests. Following a credible tip-off, police officers descended on a residence at 6 All Nations Road in Akamkpa, where they apprehended three suspected fighters. A subsequent search uncovered an alarming arsenal of weapons, signaling the serious nature of the threat.
According to DSP Ewa, the initial confessions of the three suspects led to the identification and capture of three additional individuals. The suspects include four Cameroonian nationals and two Nigerians, comprising five males and one female. Law enforcement seized a staggering array of weaponry, including a GPMG machine gun with a stand, one rifle, three G3 rifles, multiple magazines, three Makarov pistols, over a hundred rounds of ammunition, and sixteen improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The police also recovered military paraphernalia that included Ambazonian rebel booklets and flags, desert boots, bulletproof vests, and various criminal charms. Following their capture, the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for thorough investigation and prosecution.
CP Ukachi Opara, who recently took office as the 45th Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, underscored the vital need for professionalism and respect in police-community interactions. “We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our residents,” he stated, adding, “We are working tirelessly to make sure that people can sleep with both eyes closed.” He further encouraged the community to collaborate with law enforcement by providing actionable intelligence that can enhance public safety.
This significant arrest highlights the persistent threat posed by separatist movements in the region and reinforces the police's commitment to neutralizing any emerging dangers. Local residents in Akamkpa have expressed their willingness to work alongside the police, pledging to aid in securing their communities against these insurgent activities.
