Cross River State: Nigeria Police Force clamps down on illegal arms factory

The Nigeria Police Force has closed down an illegal small arms factory in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Police, Cross River State command, Sikiru Akande,  disclosed to newsmen in Calabar that operatives through intelligence-led policing uncovered a gun making factory in Akamkpa local government area, a locality near the capital city.

Akande said, “On January 24, upon intelligence-led policing, eight suspected gun manufacturers were arrested at Uyanga Community in Akamkpa local government area for terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and unlawful possession of firearms and an improvised explosive device.”

The Commissioner further disclosed that during a search of the premises, several materials used in the manufacturing of small arms were seized including ten expended cartridges, six double revolver guns, an improvised explosive device amongst others.

He disclosed that investigation was ongoing and the suspects would be prosecuted alongside arrested child traffickers.

According to the Police Commissioner, the successes recorded were due to the “Determination for quality service delivery, resilience, strategic policing through the use of technological and human intelligence gathering and sharing.”

He emphasized that modern policing methodology required citizens’ participation at all levels.

Akande therefore, urged the traditional, religious and community leaders to be actively involved in the security, saying “Security is a collective business to address all forms of crimes across the state.”

The Commissioner applauded the support of the people and warned miscreants against disturbing the peace.

“We will continue the fight to rid our society of all illegal small arms and light weapons. I advise any person or group of persons that unlawfully possess any firearms to willfully return same to the police as failure would attract serious consequences,“ he added.

PIAK