Special Anti Robbery Squads (SARS) in Cross River State has arrested 37 suspected mercenaries in Ukelle, Yalla local government area of Cross River State.
Speaking with DAILY POST in Calabar on Tuesday, the SARS Commander in the State, Mr Victor James Usang said that the suspects were arrested at Ukelle boundary.
Usang said “Precisely on Monday, 25th June 2018 at Ukelle, boundary between Cross River State and Ebonyi State, some youths numbering 34, in a coastal bus, were escorted by the Youths of Ukelle.
“For obvious reason, a caller, who had suspected the action of the mercenaries, called the Police. They moved in immediately and without delay arrested the 34 mercenaries.
“Two other youths in the area who were Okada riders, who were trying to show the mercenaries way out of the place were also arrested, including the driver of the bus, totalling 37.”
He said that the suspects were screened and in the process, they said, they came from Uyi in Anambra State and that they went to a place called Oju in Benue State to secure charms in their body.
“For whatever reasons, their movement is unlawful, their intention is unlawful, what they went for is unlawful. Absolutely, whatsoever they went for is for them to carry out felony and everything about them was criminal, their intention was criminal,” he added.
He said the Ukelle community alleged that the suspects took sides with the Izzi people to fight them.
“We know that there had been issue between the Izzi people and Ukelle people but these people were found in Ukelle.
“It was alleged that these mercenaries were about to attack Ukelle people. It is one of the numerous cases we have handled in SARS and that matter would be charge to court on Wednesday,” he added.
He commended the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Mohammed Inuwa Hafiz for providing enabling environment for them to work,
“The Commissioner of Police is passionate about the State and will not compromise his position about issues like this, rather than bringing down the image of the Police to disrepute, he ensures that the officers and men work in a conducive environment,” he stated.
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