Operation “Akpakwu”, a new security outfit launched by the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, and mandated to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminals has arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper, Etim Etim Bassey, and members of his gang.
It was gathered that Bassey and his gang members were nabbed on Tuesday in Calabar South following an intelligence report.
The same day at noon, another set of suspected kidnappers were also arrested by Operation “Akpakwu” operatives around Mary Slessor Roundabout.
It was gathered that the kidnappers who emerged from a vehicle, abducted a middle-aged man waiting for a cab by the roadside.
However, the Operation “Akpakwu” patrol team stationed nearby gave the kidnappers a hot chase and eventually arrested them.
Meanwhile, the Operation “Akpakwu” teams have begun a house-to-house search for kidnappers and other criminals in Calabar.
The state government called for residents’ cooperation and understanding as the outfit embarks on stop-and-search operations.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita explained that the exercise was aimed at “rooting criminal elements out of the state.”
Governor Ayade had declared total war on kidnappers and other criminals in the state while launching the outfit on Thursday last week.
