The Cross River State Police Command says it has arrested a 60-year-old suspected gun runner and recovered illegal firearms from him in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Okon William, was apprehended by operatives of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit following a targeted sting operation.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the arrest was the result of “credible intelligence” regarding the movement of illicit arms within the Ubanbat community.
Eitokpah, said “acting swiftly on the information, police operatives mobilized to the area and apprehended the suspect on 19th April, 2026, at about 1700 hours.”
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He said during the arrest, officers conducted a thorough search of the suspect, which led to the discovery of two locally fabricated long guns concealed in his possession.
Preliminary investigations according to the police spokesperson, suggest that William had been utilizing “covert methods” to distribute firearms, while evading law enforcement explaining that the suspect is now cooperating with authorities.
“He has also provided useful information aiding ongoing investigations into a wider network of illegal arms fabrication and distribution,” the PPRO added.
While the suspect remains in custody pending his arraignment in court, the police have intensified efforts to track down other members of the criminal syndicate.
