By Oluchi Omai
Lead:
Stop-and-Search Nets Armed Suspect on Edor–Ogoja Highway
A
male suspect, identified as Ebase Akuba, has been arrested by operatives of the
Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State
for unlawful possession of a locally made single-barrel gun and three live
cartridges. The arrest was made during a stop-and-search operation along the
Edor–Ogoja Highway on Wednesday, 27 August 2025. Akuba, who confessed to being
in unlicensed possession of the firearm and ammunition, remains in police
custody pending further investigation and the commencement of court
proceedings. The Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, commended the
RRS team for the arrest and reiterated the Command’s warning against the
possession of unlicensed weapons.
Police
Action: Details of the Arrest
The arrest, which took place in the
early hours of Wednesday, was a direct result of heightened security operations
across major highways in the state. The RRS team, deployed as part of ongoing
efforts to curb armed crime in Cross River State, flagged down vehicles for
search at a checkpoint on the usually busy Edor–Ogoja Highway. It was during
one of these searches that Akuba was discovered to have concealed a locally
made single-barreled gun and three live cartridges in his possession.
READ ALSO: Viral Video on Mrs. Ijeoma Wilson Obot’s Death: Police Responds to Public Concerns
According to police sources, the
interception was carried out with professionalism and due caution, ensuring the
safety of all parties. Upon being challenged, the suspect admitted to not
possessing a valid license for the firearm and was promptly taken into custody
without incident. The arrest was described by police as a "significant
success" in the ongoing battle against illegal arms in Cross River State. This region has witnessed a recent upsurge in arms-related offences.
Statement
from Police Command
Confirming the arrest, Commissioner
of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, stated: “On Wednesday, 27 August 2025,
operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested one Ebase Akuba for unlawful
possession of a locally made single-barrel gun and three live cartridges during
a stop-and-search operation along Edor–Ogoja Highway in Ikom. The suspect is
currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of
investigations.”
CP Afegbua extended his commendation
to the RRS personnel for their diligence, adding, “The swift and decisive
action of the RRS team reflects our unwavering commitment to rooting out armed
criminality from Cross River State. Their professionalism throughout the
operation is nothing short of commendable.”
He also used the opportunity to warn
members of the public about the dangers and legal consequences of possessing
firearms without proper licensing: “We have said it time and again—there is no
place for illegal weapons in our communities. Anyone found in possession of
unlicensed firearms or ammunition will face the full weight of the law.” This
statement serves both as a public warning and a reassurance to citizens
concerned about the proliferation of arms.
The
Suspect and Confession
After being taken into custody,
Ebase Akuba reportedly admitted to the offence of possessing the firearm and
ammunition illegally. Police said the suspect cooperated during preliminary
questioning, making a voluntary statement that confirmed his lack of legal
authority to carry the weapon.
A statement from the police reads:
“The suspect confessed to having the firearm and live
cartridges without a valid license.” The investigation unit is set to conduct
further enquiries into Akuba’s background, including any possible links to
other criminal activity or armed groups.
The Command maintained that Akuba
will remain in custody while investigations continue and formal charges are
prepared. Standard police procedure now requires the collation and forwarding
of evidence, including the seized weapon, to the appropriate authorities for
forensic analysis and court presentation.
READ ALSO: Cross River Police Arrest Three Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearm in Calabar
A police investigator involved in
the case commented, “We take unlawful possession extremely seriously, and every
case is thoroughly investigated to determine both the immediate and possible
broader implications.”
Legal
Dimensions: Unlawful Possession and Next Steps
Unlawful possession of firearms remains
a serious criminal offence in Nigeria, governed under stringent laws aimed at
suppressing the proliferation of weapons. According to the Firearms Act,
individuals found in possession of firearms or ammunition without appropriate
licensing face substantial penalties, including imprisonment.
Police sources confirmed that Ebase
Akuba will remain in custody as due process is observed. He will be charged for
unlawful possession upon the completion of the investigation phase. The legal
department of the Cross River State Police Command is responsible for preparing
the necessary documentation and initiating the prosecution.
A representative from the Command’s
legal team stated, “It is the duty of every citizen to comply with the law
regarding the possession and handling of firearms. Our prosecution will reflect
the seriousness with which we view such breaches.”
Observers said this case will likely
be closely watched, given the broader climate of concern over illegal weapons
in the region.
Commissioner’s
Warning: “No Room for Illegal Weapons”
CP Rashid B. Afegbua’s public
remarks extended beyond simple commendation for his officers. In a stern
warning directed at the culpable and the curious, he highlighted the dangers
that come with the unlawful circulation of firearms in the state:
“There is no excuse whatsoever for
having unlicensed weapons. Anyone caught will be held to account in accordance
with the law. Residents are urged to report any knowledge or suspicion of
illegal weapons to the nearest police authority. Our officers are empowered and
prepared to investigate all such reports.”
The Commissioner’s statement is in
line with a series of recent pronouncements from police chiefs nationwide, as
security agencies redouble efforts to reduce gun-related incidents, often
associated with robbery, communal disputes, and other forms of violence.
He further appealed to the public to
cooperate with law enforcement. “Together we can make Cross River a safer place
for all. The public’s support and information are invaluable to our work.”
Community
Safety: Public Response and Reassurance
The arrest in Ikom comes at a time
when local residents and business owners have called for increased action to
tackle arms proliferation and associated crimes. Many community leaders have
voiced support for robust interventions, including routine checks and public
awareness campaigns.
A resident who wished to remain
anonymous said, “These operations make a real difference. It shows that the
police are not only out there but are actively working to protect us from those
willing to endanger our peace.”
The police, in their communication,
reassured the public that all due procedure would be followed in handling the
suspect and any evidence seized. Furthermore, they encouraged anyone with information
about illegal arms in the community to come forward, stressing that
confidentiality and personal safety would be upheld.
The sentiment from law enforcement
is that collective vigilance and responsible citizenship are crucial in the
fight against illegal weapons and the violence they cause.
Background
on Local Context: Ikom and the Edor–Ogoja Highway
Ikom Local Government Area is a key
region in Cross River State, noted for its vibrant commerce, cultural heritage,
and strategic location. It serves as a major junction for movement between the
North, South, and Eastern parts of the state, making it a critical hub for both
legal and illegal activities.
The Edor–Ogoja Highway is an
arterial road of high economic and social importance, facilitating the movement
of goods, agricultural produce, and people. However, like many busy highways in
the state, it has also drawn the attention of law enforcement due to its use by
those attempting to bypass routine checks or move illicit items across
administrative boundaries.
The latest arrest is not an isolated
incident. Rather, it reflects ongoing police surveillance and law enforcement
strategies aimed at safeguarding all highway users. Law enforcement agencies
have appealed to motorists and passengers to cooperate fully with checkpoint
procedures, highlighting that such measures are for the collective good.
Law
Enforcement and Community: The Broader Message
The arrest of Ebase Akuba for
unlawful firearm possession and subsequent statements from the police carry a
message which extends beyond the immediate case. They signal a commitment to
community safety, adherence to due process, and the upholding of legal and
ethical standards.
For Ikom and Cross River State at
large, this incident stands as a reminder of the ongoing need for individual
and collective responsibility. The public is encouraged to continue supporting
law enforcement efforts and to understand the serious consequences of possessing illegal weapons.
A concluding comment from the police
captures this spirit: “We are working for a safer Cross River. Every illegal
weapon removed from our streets brings us a step closer to that goal.”
The arrest and prosecution of
individuals found with unlicensed firearms remain top priorities for police in
Cross River State. As the Command, under the leadership of CP Rashid B.
Afegbua, investigates and brings charges in the case of Ebase Akuba, it renews
its call for public cooperation. Residents are reminded that the possession of
unlicensed weapons constitutes a grave offence and that law enforcement will
continue to apply the law fairly and resolutely.
Further updates will be provided as
the case proceeds through the courts.
0 Comments