Police in Cross River State have arrested a 60-year-old man suspected of trafficking illegal firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Odukpani Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Okon William, was apprehended in the Ubanbat community by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following what authorities described as credible intelligence on his activities.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal arms and violent crime in the state.
“The Cross River State Police Command, in its sustained effort to combat the proliferation of illegal arms and violent crime, has arrested a suspected gunrunner, one Okon William ‘M’, aged 60 years, and recovered two (2) locally fabricated firearms in the Odukpani Local Government Area of the state,” the statement read.
Eitokpah explained that the arrest followed actionable intelligence received by the unit concerning a suspected arms trafficker operating within the community.
“Acting swiftly on the information, police operatives mobilised to the area and apprehended the suspect on April 19, 2026, at about 1700 hours,” he said.
A search conducted after the arrest led to the recovery of two locally made long guns concealed on the suspect.
“Upon arrest, the suspect was subjected to a thorough search, which led to the recovery of two (2) locally fabricated long guns concealed in his possession,” the statement added.
Police said preliminary findings suggest the suspect was involved in illicit arms dealing and had adopted covert methods to evade detection. Investigators also believe his activities may be linked to a broader network.
According to the police, the suspect has begun cooperating with investigators and has provided information that could help dismantle an arms fabrication and distribution ring.
“The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal network and recover additional illegal arms,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has called on residents to support law enforcement agencies with credible information.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime and stemming the circulation of illegal weapons across the state.