Police foil attempt by 9-man robbery gang to rob bank in C’River

The Cross River state police Command on Saturday foiled a bank robbery while smashing a 9-man armed robbery gang terrorizing residents of some areas in Calabar, the state capital.

The suspected bank robbery syndicate have been carrying out their nefarious operations around EPZ, Harbor road, Ikot Ansa as well as Esuk Utan.

A security source who pleaded anonymity said that the suspects infiltrated an old-generation bank (name withheld) with the intent of carrying out the robbery.

“Based on credible intelligence the Supol in charge of EPZ (Export Processing Zone) mobilized a tactical team and stormed the bank apprehending four out of the nine suspects.

“They include Joshua Samuel 22 Innocent Edom 20, Samuel Okon 28, and Mohammed Salisu 29, these were the ones who were carrying out espionage (surveillance) for the remaining five armed men outside waiting to strike.

“During the preliminary inquiry, the suspects confessed to have been on an espionage mission with the intent to alert other gang members on when to strike and rob the bank.

“We are definitely going to get the remaining members of the group because they have been terrorizing residents of the metropolis, especially Ikot Ansa and Esuk Utan communities all in Calabar Municipality LGA of Cross River State.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sule Balarabe who confirmed the incident on Saturday, said “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.”

CP Balabare further warned criminals who were bent on causing havoc to either leave town or stay law abiding, else they would be ruthlessly dealt with.

“All the commanders of out tactical teams, 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.

“My officers and men have stepped up policing holistically across the length and breadth of the state.

“In achieving this task, the command has carried out massive deployment of personnel and tools in critical infrastructure recreational centres and directed aggressive vehicular/foot patrols before, during and after the festive season,” he said.

Similarly, the command has warned potential dealers and users of fireworks to desist from the illegal business venture urging guardians/parents to caution their wards and children to desist from patronizing fireworks sellers given the security situation in the country.

“The command is resolute and will not renege in dealing decisively with hoodlums, political thugs all forms of illegal or unapproved processions with a view to breaching the peace we enjoy across the state by invoking the extant laws of the state and federal laws accordingly,” CP Balabare stated.