Police Declare War On Criminals In Cross River

BEVERLY HILLS, February 27, (THEWILL) – As part of strategy aimed at flushing out criminals in the state, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG), in charge of Zone 6, Calabar, Cross River State, Mr. Tunde Johnson Ogunsakin, has disclosed that the zone is introducing a stop and search to mop up illegal arms.

Ogunsakin revealed that the stop and search operation is also intended to flush out criminals from the state due to the sudden increase in crime.

The AIG disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit on the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke.

According to Ogunsakin: “I have directed the commissioner of police to start a stop and search in the black spots in Calabar and ensure all illegal arms are mopped up.”‎

The AIG explained that the action became necessary following the sudden rise in crime rate in the state which hitherto had been peaceful in terms of political violence and criminal activities amongst the states under his Command.

The AIG who attributed the development to miscreants from the neighbouring states, said: “We have noticed that for a couple of weeks now, people from outside the state have caused havoc and even gone to the stage of snatching guns from policemen. Towards this end, I have called for a joint security meeting to flush out the miscreants from the state.”

On the forthcoming elections, he disclosed that he had held a peace meeting with all the political parties' candidates in the state and had also directed all the Commissioners of Police in the zone to transfer all electoral related offences to his office for proper investigation, adding that he intends to organise a workshop in Port Harcourt on free and fair election which will be attended by governors and top police officers from the zone.

He disclosed that Resident Electoral Commissioners from Cross River and Ebonyi States are expected to deliver talks on PVCs to educate stakeholders and political parties in order to ensure elections are violent-free and credible in the eyes of the world.

Responding, Governor Imoke commended the AIG on the proactive methods he has adopted to control crime in the state and the zone in general, explaining that the state has partnered security agencies extensively to ensure peace and security.

Imoke noted that there has been a sudden escalation of hostilities which has not been heard of in Cross River and stressed that no one should lose his life for politics.

He added: “Any person that carries gun does not want to serve but wants power. And the peace accord initiated by you should not be taken as a formality and I am excited about the workshop to be organised by you because credible election is not all about security but how INEC can handle a credible election.”

According to him, no registered voter should be prevented from casting their votes by INEC on account of not having the Permanent Voters Card.

The governor appealed that the unusual acts of criminality in Calabar be dealt with and the criminals brought to book while assuring his guest of the state's cooperation to reduce crime rate so that it will remain what it used to be , ” warm and hospitable people, tourists destination and investors haven.”