The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 19 suspects in connection with various criminal activities across the State, while also recovering firearms and 28 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

The breakdown saw the arrest of a suspected ritualist, 7 suspects of conspiracy/arson/cultism/burglary/stealing, nine suspects for advance fee fraud/identity theft/drug abuse, one suspect of rape, and another suspect for murder and stealing.

According to the statement released by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, after its May press briefing, the Command said the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations and community policing strategies.

According to her, the arrests were in Calabar, Etung, and Odukpani, while the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Force. They will be jointly charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olusegun Omosanyin, who commended the efforts of officers, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to robust security coverage across the State, while also calling for citizens’ collaboration with the Police to address suspicious activities.