Police speak on alleged arrest of bandits in Cross River

By Ayox Ojo

The Cross River Police has said contrary to claims in a viral video circulating on the social media, there is no verified report of bandits being arrested at the NYSC Secretariat in Calabar, the state capital or infiltration of the state by any organized bandit group.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata made the clarification on Thursday in reaction to claims that some bandits have been arrested in Calabar and Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

There were also rumours that criminal elements have infiltrated the State.

But the Cross River Police Command described the claims as entirely false, misleading, and calculated to create unnecessary fear, panic, and anxiety among residents and visitors to the State.

Akata said preliminary investigations, security assessments, and intelligence reviews conducted by the Command reveal that the viral reports are not supported by any credible security report, arrest record, or intelligence available to the Police or any sister security agency operating within the State.

“Specifically, there is no verified report of bandits being arrested at the NYSC Secretariat in Calabar, nor is there any intelligence indicating the infiltration of Cross River State by any organized bandit group as alleged in the circulating posts.

“The Command notes that the images and narratives accompanying the publications are intended to misinform the public, create unnecessary panic, and distort the true security situation in the State,” the spokesperson said.

He also assured that the Cross River State Police Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies has sustained robust security deployments, intelligence-driven operations, surveillance measures, and strategic patrols across the State to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors.

Akata therefore urged members of the public to disregard these false reports and continue their lawful activities without fear while remaining vigilant and promptly reporting any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 07053355415 and 07041777060.

He also warned individuals and groups against deliberately peddling false information capable of causing public disorder, inciting panic, undermining public confidence in security institutions, or disrupting public peace while affirming that such actions may attract sanctions under relevant laws.

“Citizens are encouraged to verify security-related information through the official communication channels of the Nigeria Police Force and the Cross River State Police Command before sharing or acting on such reports,” Akata said.