Cross River Police Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recovers Homemade Firearm in Okomita

Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua

By Oluchi Omai

Cross River State Police Command have arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of gunrunning and recovered a locally fabricated short gun during an intelligence-led operation in Okomita village, Akamkpa Local Government Area. The suspect, identified as Akatop Augustine of Chief Street, Okomita, was apprehended on Friday after allegedly attempting to collect the weapon from a commercial vehicle. The arrest took place along the busy Betem-Calabar Highway following a tip-off to police about the illegal transaction, the command said.

Recovered Homemade Firearm

In custody, Augustine has reportedly confessed to owning the weapon and is assisting detectives with the investigation, police said. Authorities stated that the homemade short gun had been concealed in a parcel accompanying goods and listed on the driver’s waybill as part of a consignment on the Betem-Calabar route. The command described the raid as part of a sustained campaign against the proliferation of illicit arms and violent crime in the state.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, praised the officers involved for their professionalism and proactive approach. He also commended the “good-spirited” resident who tipped off the authorities about the deal. CP Afegbua reminded the public that continued vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement are crucial in the fight against crime.

Similar raids have been reported by Cross River police in recent months. In mid-September, officers conducting a stop-and-search in Calabar seized a locally made pistol and five live cartridges from a suspected armed robber. In August, a routine patrol resulted in the arrest of three suspected cult members after police found a homemade firearm and two rounds of ammunition in their vehicle. Authorities say these operations reflect the command’s ongoing focus on eliminating illicit arms in the state. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue into the source of the weapon and any possible accomplices, the police added.

Sources: Cross River State Police Command (press statement, 24 October 2025)