Cross River police arrested two officers for interception of firearms amid communal tension

The Cross River State Police Command has opened an investigation into two police officers who were arrested with firearms and ammunition during escalating tensions related to the communal crisis between Ugep and Idomi communities.

The command reacted after a video circulated on social media claiming the officers were directly linked to riots in the area.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Inspector Eitokpah Akata, explained that the officers were arrested during a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Army in Biase Local Government Area.

“The Command wishes to clarify that the incident occurred on May 5, 2026, when two suspects riding a motorbike were intercepted during a routine stop and search operation carried out jointly by members of the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Army personnel in Biase Local Government Area of ​​Cross River State,” the statement read.

Police authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the two men were active personnel with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the two suspects seen in the viral video are members of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and were found to be in possession of firearms and live ammunition when they were intercepted,” the statement added.

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Following their arrest, the suspects were reportedly transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar as authorities intensified investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The suspects were immediately detained and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Calabar, where a full-scale investigation is underway,” Akata said.

Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has also directed investigators to thoroughly investigate the matter and find out the motive behind the actions of the officers.

“The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive, intent and circumstances surrounding the actions of the suspects,” the statement said.

The command further assured citizens that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted, regardless of rank or affiliation.

“The command assures members of the public that no individual deemed wanting, regardless of status or affiliation, will be protected from the burden of the law,” the police added.