Serving police officers arrested with firearms amid escalating Cross River communal crisis

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two serving police officers allegedly found in possession of firearms and live ammunition during a joint security operation linked to the ongoing communal unrest between the Ugep and Idomi communities.

The arrests, which occurred in Biase Local Government Area on May 5, have sparked widespread concern after a video showing the detained officers circulated across social media platforms, prompting calls for a transparent investigation into the officers’ mission and possible involvement in the conflict.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed that the suspects were intercepted during a coordinated stop-and-search operation involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army.

According to the Command, the officers were riding on a motorcycle through a sensitive security corridor when operatives stopped and searched them.

The operation reportedly led to the recovery of service firearms, live ammunition, and mobile devices now undergoing forensic examination as part of an expanded investigation.

Preliminary findings revealed that the arrested officers are attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and were not officially deployed to Cross River State at the time of their interception.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the two suspects seen in the viral video are serving members of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command,” ASP Eitokpah stated.

He added that investigators are currently working to determine the purpose of their movement, the authorization behind the firearms in their possession, and whether the officers have any links to armed groups or actors fueling the communal violence.

Security sources said the recovery of unauthorized firearms and ammunition has intensified concerns over the proliferation of weapons in the conflict-prone region, where recent clashes between Ugep and Idomi communities have resulted in heightened tension and increased security deployments.

The Police Command noted that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar on the directive of Commissioner of Police Rashid B. Afegbua.

Commissioner Afegbua reiterated the Command’s commitment to accountability within the Force, warning that any officer found undermining public peace or aiding violence would face disciplinary and criminal consequences.

“No individual, regardless of status or uniform, will be protected if found culpable in acts capable of escalating communal violence or illegal arms movement,” the statement said.

The Command also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, especially amid ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace in affected communities.

The Ugep-Idomi crisis has triggered renewed security concerns across parts of Cross River State, leading to intensified patrols and joint operations by police, military personnel, and local security outfits.

Authorities say surveillance has been strengthened across major entry routes connecting Cross River to neighboring states as part of efforts to curb illegal arms circulation and prevent further escalation of violence.