The Eastern Naval Command says it has arrested one of the strong forces purportedly behind series of kidnappings and militancy in Calabar, Cross River State’s capital.

According to the Navy, the alleged Kingpin, Etim Thompson Uduak, otherwise known as Sangatan, was arrested through collaborative efforts with personnel of Defence Intelligence Agency.

The Chief Staff Officer at the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, announced the arrest on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command at the end of the quarterly route match being observed by the Navy to keep them physically fit and mentally alert in the discharge of their duties.

“Besides the recent arrest of the militant, the command three weeks ago, in collaboration with other security agencies in the State also arrested some of the kingpins allegedly behind series of attacks in the state,” he said.

Addressing the gathering at the termination of the route match at the NNS Victory Ship, the FOCs representative disclosed that the command had recorded successes in its war against militancy and all security challenges.

According to him, areas of successes recorded include curtailing pipeline vandalism, attacks on crude oil pipelines, operation of illegal oil-line refineries, kidnapping, smuggling and other terrorist acts.

He thanked the Federal Government for its supports in providing the Navy with necessary patrol boats and other incentives which helped the command in arresting the Militant.

The arrest came just as kidnappers have abducted four persons in Lagos State, demanding 1.2 billion Naira from the families of the abducted persons.

They are asking for 300 million Naira from each family.