The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, who disclosed this at a press conference in Uyo, said that 12 of the suspects were apprehended for alleged armed robbery.

He stated, “Six of them are suspected kidnappers, one was apprehended over suspected murder while 18 others were nabbed over suspected involvement in cultism. Five of the suspects are in our custody over vandalism, we also have one suspected burglar and 20 others who were allegedly involved in other crimes.’’

The commissioner of police said that the command made the breakthrough following reliable intelligence from members of the public.

Mr Azare said that one AK 47 rifle, one Beretta pistol, one pulp action and one reduced double barrel were recovered from the suspects.

He further listed one single barrel dane gun and 14 locally made pistols as other items recovered from the suspects.

The police commissioner also said that in the past one month, two persons were rescued from kidnappers’ den in the state.

He stated, “The command has also recovered four stolen vehicles during the period. We are grateful to members of the public who have been supporting us with reliable intelligence.’’

In another development, the police chief said that the command would soon hand over 20 suspected hypnotised Ghanaians rescued from a house within Uyo in August to the Nigerian Immigration Service.

He said that some suspects had been detained in connection to the rescued Ghanaians, saying, “the NIS will continue with further investigation on the matter”

(NAN)