CALABAR — Security operatives in Cross River State have intercepted a cache of sophisticated weapons along the Bekwarra–Ogoja axis and arrested two suspects in an operation that has raised concerns over the possible movement of illegal arms into the state ahead of key political activities.
According to the Cross River State Government, four suspects were reportedly trailed from northern Nigeria through Benue State into Cross River. Two were arrested, while the other two allegedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Key Highlights
- Security operatives intercept a cache of sophisticated weapons along the Bekwarra–Ogoja axis in Cross River State.
- Two suspects are arrested, while two others reportedly escape with gunshot wounds.
- The suspects were allegedly tracked from northern Nigeria through Benue State.
- Deputy Governor Peter Odey says preliminary investigations suggest the movement of the arms may be linked to the prevailing political atmosphere.
- The state government vows to investigate the origin of the weapons and identify alleged sponsors and intended recipients.
- Authorities say the arrested suspects will be charged to court.
Cross River Government Raises Alarm Over Illegal Arms
Speaking during the parade of the suspects and display of the recovered weapons, Cross River State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, said preliminary investigations suggested that the movement of the arms might be connected to the prevailing political atmosphere.
Odey said the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the weapons into the state required a thorough investigation and a firm law-enforcement response.
He stressed that the government would not treat the discovery as an isolated security incident, noting that the potential consequences of allowing illegal weapons to circulate unchecked could be severe.
“The discovery of these weapons is a serious security concern. Arms of this nature, if placed in the wrong hands, could be used to intimidate political opponents, terrorise communities, disrupt lawful political activities and inflict irreversible harm on innocent citizens. We will not sit idly by while anyone attempts to undermine the safety of our people,” Odey said.
Peter Odey Warns Against Political Violence
The deputy governor maintained that Cross River State would not tolerate violence, intimidation or bloodshed in its political environment.
According to him, the state’s democratic space must remain open to peaceful competition, persuasion and the free expression of political choices.
Odey warned that the government would not allow individuals or groups to exploit the political season to create fear, destabilise communities or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He emphasised that the discovery underscored the need for security agencies to remain vigilant against attempts to introduce illegal weapons into the state.
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Arrested Suspects to Face Prosecution
Odey disclosed that the arrested suspects would be charged to court, while investigations continued to determine the origin of the weapons and trace the network allegedly responsible for transporting them.
He said the investigation would also seek to identify the alleged sponsors and intended recipients of the arms.
The deputy governor added that the probe would not end with the arrest of those allegedly transporting the weapons, stressing that uncovering the individuals and networks behind the operation was essential to preventing further security breaches.
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and maintaining peace, particularly as political activities intensify.
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