No bandits have invaded Cross River – Police assure residents
Cross River Police Dismiss Reports of Bandit Infiltration
The Cross River State Police Command has urged residents to ignore reports of bandit infiltration in Akamkpa Local Government Area and the Calabar metropolis.
In a statement, police officials characterized these claims as unfounded and misleading. They warned against the dissemination of false information that could incite public panic and undermine confidence in law enforcement agencies. Such actions could lead to legal repercussions, they said.
Social media posts have circulated alleging the arrest of bandits in Calabar and Akamkpa, along with claims of criminal elements operating in the state. The police have firmly rejected these assertions.
However, some residents have voiced concerns over the increasing number of unfamiliar individuals in forests throughout Boki and Akamkpa, as well as in riverine communities in Odukpani. Reports indicate that these individuals may be involved in illegal mining and that armed personnel are harassing local farmers and damaging crops.
In a statement from ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the command’s Public Relations Officer, the police emphasized that no credible security reports support the viral claims. “Preliminary investigations and intelligence reviews indicate that these reports are entirely false and intended to create unnecessary fear and anxiety,” Akata said.
He specifically noted that there is no verified evidence of bandit arrests at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Calabar, nor any indication that organized bandit groups have infiltrated Cross River State.
Akata added that the accompanying images and narratives from social media were designed to mislead the public regarding the actual security situation.
The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have increased their presence throughout the state. They are conducting intelligence-driven operations, surveillance measures, and strategic patrols to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.
The police encourage the public to carry on with their daily activities without fear but to remain vigilant. Two emergency helplines have been provided for residents to report any suspicious activities: 07053355415 and 07041777060.
