By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 60-year-old suspected gunrunner, identified as Okon William “M”, in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state, and recovered two locally fabricated firearms.
The command said the arrest was carried out in Ubanbat community following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on the activities of a suspected arms trafficker in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday on Monday, the operation led to the swift arrest of the suspect and recovery of illegal weapons.
The statement reads in part: “The Cross River State Police Command, in its sustained effort to combat the proliferation of illegal arms and violent crime, has arrested a suspected gun runner, one Okon William ‘M’, aged 60 years, and recovered two (2) locally fabricated firearms in Odukpani Local Government Area of the State.”
It further stated: “The arrest followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit on the activities of a suspected arms trafficker within Ubanbat Community. Acting swiftly on the information, police operatives mobilized to the area and apprehended the suspect on 19th April, 2026, at about 1700 hours.”
The Command also disclosed that: “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.”
According to the statement, preliminary investigation shows that the suspect is allegedly involved in illicit arms trafficking and used covert methods to avoid detection. It added that he has already provided useful information aiding ongoing investigations into a wider arms fabrication and distribution network.
The police said: “The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal network and recover additional illegal arms.”
Reaffirming the Command’s stance, the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, urged residents to support security agencies with credible information, noting that the Command remains committed to tackling violent crime across the state.
