Cross River police crime crackdown intensifies as CP Rashid Afegbua orders targeted operations against kidnappers, cultists and armed gangs

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Rashid Afegbua, has announced that the command has intensified discreet and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state, including kidnap syndicates, armed robbers and cult groups.

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Cross River police crime crackdown, according to a statement issued through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, is being implemented across high-risk locations including Calabar Metropolis, Akpabuyo, Odukpani, Akamkpa, Ikom, Obubra, Ogoja and other border communities.

Afegbua stated that the ongoing operations are designed to disrupt organised criminal structures, restore public order and prevent unlawful assemblies through sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated security responses.

He explained that the police have intensified targeted raids on identified black spots and criminal hideouts as part of a broader strategy to weaken operational capabilities of criminal gangs operating within the state.

River’s police crackdown also includes enhanced patrols across major highways, waterways and strategic entry and exit routes, alongside reinforced stop and search operations at key flashpoints.

Afegbua further directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to engage traditional rulers, youth groups and community leaders in regular stakeholder meetings aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing and fostering community participation in security management.

He added that joint operations with other security agencies have been scaled up to ensure wider coverage and faster response to emerging threats across the state.

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The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained security operations, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to achieving lasting peace and stability in Cross River State.