The Cross River State Police Command achieved a significant breakthrough yesterday when it discovered and dismantled an Improvised Explosive Device, IED/gun manufacturing facility at Osomba in the Akampka Local Government Area of the State.
According to Vanguard, the clandestine operation was headed by Commander, Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Squad, ACKS (Dragon Squad), Ogini Chukwuma, under the directives of Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah.
According to Platinum Times, the operation lasted four hours and resulted in the seizure of remote controlled IEDs, detonators, various explosive devices, multiple automatic rifles, dozens of locally built double barrels and handguns, and nine suspects, including bomb builders.
According to a village source who requested anonymity, the majority of the guns and weapons used by gangsters and other criminals to terrorize the area came from that location.
According to the source, the unearthing and arrest would bring tranquility to Osombo and its environs because many of those profiting from the illegal activities were either in police custody or had fled the neighborhood.
When reached, the command’s spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, verified the development and stated that nine people had been detained and were in custody, including a prominent gangster and armed robbery suspect simply known as Orok Etim a.k.a GOWON.
Ugbo informed Vanguard that during the operation, explosive devices (high explosives 90m) eight pieces, 60m six pieces, detonators ten pieces, indicators ten pieces, remote devices ten pieces, and batteries ten pieces were recovered.