Police Recover Locally-Made Pistol and Live Cartridges During Stop-and-Search Operation in Calabar

CP Rashid Afegbua, psc, mnips

By Oluchi Omai

19 September 2025 - The Cross River State Police Command has announced the recovery of a locally-made pistol and five live cartridges during a stop-and-search operation in Calabar metropolis. The operation, carried out by the Akim Police Division, is part of the Command’s ongoing crime-fighting strategy aimed at curbing criminal activity in the state.

According to the official statement, the recovery took place on 18 September 2025 at approximately 8:20 p.m., when a surveillance team on patrol accosted two suspected armed robbers believed to be en route to commit a felony. One of the suspects, identified as Obong Friday Nana, male, aged 25, of No. 2 Aba Street, off Eyo Ita Street, Calabar South, was apprehended while his accomplice fled the scene.

Upon searching Nana, officers recovered one locally-made pistol, five live cartridges, criminal charms, and a knife, among other items.

Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police CP Rashid Afegbua, psc, mnips, commended the effectiveness of the stop-and-search strategy, stating that it “creates a safe and stable environment, where criminal elements are denied the space to operate.”

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their continued support and cooperation in the Command’s efforts to maintain safety and stability across the state.