The Nigeria Police Force has neutralized a cell belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in faraway Bebe III, a village in Obanliku local government area of northern Cross River State.
The Police Commissioner of the Cross River Command, Mr. Sule Balarabe disclosed to Journalists in Calabar, the state capital that four Improvised Explosives Devices, IEDs, two explosive chemicals and several locally made pistols and dane guns.
According to him, the command in collaboration with the military moved swiftly sequel to reliable information gathered from loyal Nigerians about an IPOB camp in Bebe III community, which eventually led to the arrest of three persons suspected to be members of the group.
“Based on the strength of the information, the military in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad swung into action and arrested three suspects.
“They led the team to their camp where two dane guns, one Biafra uniform, one Biafra flag, four explosive devices, two suspected explosive chemicals, charms, one police beret and more. The suspects would soon be charged.”
More Recoveries
The Police Commissioner, who paraded the suspects including a village chief and the items recovered before the press, further disclosed that the command’s ‘Operation Restore Peace’ formerly known as ‘Operation Puff Adder’ recovered five AK 47 rifles, 200 rounds of live ammunitions and one pump action at Uyanga forest axis in Cross River southern district.
The police boss explained that since the kidnap of unsuspecting commuters along the Akamkpa – Biase axis of the Calabar – Ikom Highway, the team intensified efforts and recovered the items at a suspected kidnapper’s hideout.
He also hinted that two people were apprehended by its personnel for unlawful possession of firearms and cautioned law-abiding citizens to be wary of suspicious people lurking around their neighbourhood.
Balarabe commended the people for supporting the Nigeria Police alongside other security agencies to rid Cross River of criminalities and pledged to provide a safe environment for residents, tourists, visitors and fun seekers to celebrate the season with families and friends.
“The command while performing its duty will not tolerate any unwholesome behaviour from any quarters whether individual or group. We are poised to clamp down on criminal elements and lawbreakers at all levels,” he warned.
PIAK
