Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Calabar, Arrest Three Suspects

CP Rashid B. Afegbua, PSC, mnips  
The CRS Commissioner of Police, 

By Oluchi Omai

The Cross River State Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt and arrested three suspects during an operation in Calabar South.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ugbo Irene, the operation followed a tip-off and was executed by the Divisional Police Officer and the Surveillance Team of Uwanse Division. The team intercepted a suspected kidnapping syndicate while they were attempting to abduct one Nkereuwem Peter, a 38-year-old resident of No. 35 Eneobong Avenue, Calabar South.

READ ALSO: 

Cross River Police Arrest Suspect in Viral Border-Related Murder Case

The suspects reportedly opened fire on the police officers upon sighting them, but the officers overpowered the gang and made arrests. Three suspects were apprehended at the scene:

1. Henry Efa Otu, 24, of Efut Effioene Street, Calabar

2. Lawrence Ita Inyang, 46, of No. 32 Efut Effioene, Calabar

3. Umoh Ekpo, 46, of Efut Effioene Clan

The police also recovered two locally made pistols and one live cartridge from the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, PSC, mnips, reiterated his commitment to reducing crime in the state to the barest minimum, in line with the mandate of the Force Leadership. He warned criminal groups operating in the state to desist from unlawful acts or face the full weight of the law.

CP Afegbua also urged residents of Cross River State to continue providing timely and useful information to the police and other relevant security agencies to aid swift and effective responses.

Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who fled the scene.