Metro

Police Foil Bank Robbery, Smash 9-man Gang In Calabar

Published

3 years ago

December 24, 2022

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

It was gathered that the suspected bank robbery syndicate has been carrying out their nefarious operations around EPZ, Harbor road, Ikot Ansa as well as Esuk Utan.

A security source who didn’t want his name in Print told Sunday Vanguard that the suspects infiltrated an old-generation bank ( name withheld) with the intent of carrying out a robbery.

“Based on credible intelligence the Suppl 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 having 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 terrorising residents of the metropolis, especially Ikot Ansa and Esuk Mba communities all in Calabar Municipality LGA of Cross River state.”

Confirming the incident to Vanguard on the telephone, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sule Balarabe 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, or else they would be ruthlessly dealt with.

”All the commanders of our 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 infrastructures recreational centers and directed aggressive vehicular/foot patrols before, curing 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 guardian / 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 breach the peace we enjoy across the state by invoking the extant laws of the state and federal laws accordingly,” CP Balabare stated.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.