Nigerian army neutralises another criminal hideout in Calabar

By Eme Offiong, Calabar 

The Nigerian Army led “Operation Akpakwu” has uncovered and neutralised a criminal hideout in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.

The Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi told newsmen that the joint task force flushed out the black spot, which was an abandoned structure where miscreants sleep at night.

Brigadier General Abdullahi represented by Major Stanley Ikpeme, said that the army discovered the hideout while on the trail of eight suspected persons.

He stated, “during our investigation, it was discovered that the compound in question is confirmed to be a black spot with an abandon structure where criminals sleep at night.”

“The Operation Akpakwu is committed to put an end to the wave of kidnapping and criminalities in our society. The Nigerian Army in partnership with sister agencies is not resting on its oars until peace and security is restored,” Abdullahi said.

The Commander handed over four suspects apprehended during the raid to the Cross River State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Demolitions
It would be recalled that Operation Akpakwu demolished more than fifteen buildings in Calabar known to be hideouts for criminals and houses owned by kidnap kingpins.

The task force through the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties to the Cross River Governor, Dr. Alfred Mboto said, “the governor had before now told all landlords in the state to evict any criminals using their houses as a place of refuge or stand to have his property demolished. From the exercise so far, we are not relenting. In fact, we have received massive support from the residents of these state, who can now sleep with both eyes closed”.

Mboto noted that even houses, hotels and other building constructed from the proceeds of kidnappers were pulled down.

“After thorough investigation we pull down houses owned by kidnappers. We will continue to uncover more of these properties. We know that the Nigerian Government including the state have different empowerment schemes for our youths and we need to encourage them to seek legitimate means of making a living than the pursuit of crime,” he added.

Confidence Okwuchi