By: Uchechi Ohanusi
Operatives of the Cross River State Police Command have arrested a 60-year-old suspected gun runner, Okon William, and recovered two locally fabricated long guns from him in Ubanbat Community, Odukpani Local Government Area.
The suspect was apprehended on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at about 5pm following credible intelligence on his alleged involvement in the illicit trafficking of firearms.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah.
According to the statement, the arrest was part of ongoing efforts by the command to rid the state of illegal firearms and related criminal activities.
The command said operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted swiftly on the tip-off and moved to the area where the suspect was arrested. A search conducted on him reportedly led to the recovery of the two concealed locally made firearms.
Preliminary investigation, according to police, revealed that the suspect had been involved in arms trafficking and used covert methods to evade detection.
The police added that he has provided useful information to investigators, which is helping to uncover a wider network of illegal arms fabrication and distribution in the area.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.
Police also said efforts have been intensified to track down other members of the alleged syndicate and recover more illegal weapons, while urging residents to continue providing credible information through its emergency lines.(FCT Correspondents)
