Suspected kidnappers’ houses, brothel demolished in Calabar

Cross River State security outfit, ‘Operation Akpakwu’, has demolished four houses owned by suspected kidnappers in Calabar.

The security outfit demolished the building on Monday at 8 Miles in the outskirts of Calabar following the arrest of the suspected kidnappers.

A brothel close to Flour Mill junction in Calabar was also demolished for allegedly harbouring criminals and illicit drug consumers.

The State Security Adviser, Southern Senatorial District to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr Henry Okokon, while speaking after the development noted that the decision was taken to curb criminal activities in the state.

Okokon stated that the state government pays serious attention to the security of lives and properties in the state, that is why there is the need to fight against all forms of criminality in the state.

“This is part of the activities of Operation Akpakwu, a special force set up by Governor Ayade to fight crime in the state, especially kidnapping.”

“This demolition exercise is ongoing. The governor has warned that anyone who is involved in any form of criminality, or any landlord who is found harbouring any criminal should desist from it.”

“These houses belong to individuals who have been caught in the act of kidnapping in the state. The brothel was also brought down because the management of the facility was also harbouring criminals and drug addicts.”

“This is a warning signal to everybody. Whosoever is involved in a crime of any form should desist from it,” he said.

Okokon called on business owners in the state to go about their normal businesses as the state government is doing its best to protect them from criminals.

‘Operation Akpakwu’ was launched by Governor Ben Ayade on December 3, 2020, and comprises the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.