The Cross River Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers, who specialise in trailing bank customers to rob them after withdrawals.
Mr Nkereuwem Akpan, Commissioner of Police told newsmen that the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Squad on Wednesday in Calabar.
Akpan said that the command had developed rapid response mechanism that helps in tracking suspected armed robbers easily.
“This morning, a three-man robbery gang was arrested. They specialise in robbing people who go to the bank, withdraw money and before entering the car, they will trail and rob you.
“This morning, they went to First Bank in Calabar road to rob someone. In the process, the victim raised alarm and with the help of the public, they were picked by operatives.
“It is a good breakthrough. The suspects have confessed to the crime. The community policing of the Inspector General of Police is still working.
“We have picked over 30 suspects in the last few months. When you partner with the public, you will see results”, the commissioner said.
He lauded the people in the state for their support and cooperation with the police through useful information, urging them to sustain the tempo in order to rid the state of criminal elements.
He said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon investigation was completed.
One of the suspects, Ifeanyi Ebama told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he was arrested after breaking into someone vehicle to steal money.
“I broke the glass of one man’s car to steal money wrapped in nylon. As soon as I carried the nylon, the man shouted.
“Before I knew it, I was arrested with two of my friends who were waiting for me inside the car.
“We normally pack our vehicle close to the First Bank in Calabar road and monitor customers come out with large sum of money either in a nylon or big envelope.
“We have been in the business for three months now. I want to beg the police to forgive us’’, he said.
NAN reports that a Toyota sienna vehicle, a rod used in opening car doors and breaking the glasses were recovered from the suspects. (NAN)
