The Cross River Police Command says it has rescued a 22-year-old businesswoman, Bassey Happiness-Okon, who was abducted by unidentified gunmen.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa, told newsmen at a briefing in Calabar on Thursday that Happiness-Okon was abducted while returning from her business centre at Marian Road, Calabar.
He said that the businesswoman was rescued on Wednesday by operatives from the command during a stop and search operation.
“On the 27 of September, we intercepted a Toyota Camry car along Atimbo by Mountain of Fire junction.
“When my men stopped the car, the four occupants inside the car immediately took to their heels.
“On searching the car, we found a female victim inside with her face covered with mask and we also recovered one locally made pistol inside the car.
“The victim was heading to her residence in Calabar South before the incident. Investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing bandits.’’
The police chief also paraded 17 suspects, who were arrested for various offences in the state.
Inuwa said that the command also arrested three suspected cultists on September 19 for being in possession of firearms.
He said that the suspects were also arrested during a stop and search by operatives from the command, adding that one locally made pistol was recovered from them.
“Also, on the September 21, we arrested a three-man robbery gang, who invaded a business premises along MCC Road in Calabar.
“In all, we have arrested 17 suspects for various offences committed in the state.
“We recovered seven locally made pistols, seven live cartridges, two live ammunition, one laptop, military and police vests, ATM cards and many others,” the police chief said.
(NAN)
