By Musa Yaro, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command on Saturday, foiled a robbery attack on an old generation bank and arrested four of a nine-member robbery gang in Calabar, the state capital
ASHENEWS reports that the robbery syndicate has been terrorising residents of some areas of the metropolis, including the Export Processing Zone area, Esuk Utan, Ikot Ansa as well as Harbor road axis.
A security operative who spoke on condition of anonymity told our reporter that the suspects had accessed the bank premises when, acting on intelligence reports, the Police foiled their attempt to rob the bank.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the officer in charge of EPZ (Export Processing Zone), mobilized a tactical team, stormed the bank and apprehended four of the nine suspects.
“The suspects include Joshua Samuel (22), Innocent Edom (20), Samuel Okon (28) and Mohammed Salisu (29,” adding that “these were the ones were carrying out surveillance for the remaining five armed men waiting outside for signals before they strike.
“During preliminary inquiry, the suspects confessed to have been on an surveillance mission with the intent to alert the other gang members on when to strike and rob the bank,” the operative said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sule Balarabe confirmed the arrest.
“Yes, we have them in our custody and we will go even deeper till we get others who are involved , we are leaving no stone unturned”.
Balabare warned criminals who were bent on causing havoc to either leave town or remain law abiding or they would be dealt with ruthlessly.
“All the commanders of our tactical teams including DPOs are on red alert to deal decisively with criminal elements in any part of the state, within the ambit of the law and in the most professional manner,” adding that, “My officers and men have stepped up policing holistically across the length and breadth of the state.
“The command has carried out massive deployment of personnel and tools in critical infrastructures not excluding recreational centers, and directed aggressive vehicular/foot patrols before, during and after the festive season.”
