By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Two police officers serving with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have been linked to the ongoing communal crisis in Ugep and Idomi communities in Cross River State after they were allegedly intercepted with firearms and ammunition.
The officers were reportedly seen in a viral video circulating on social media, raising suspicion over their alleged involvement in the communal conflict in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the development, the Cross River State Police Command, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, said the suspects are serving members of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Akwa Ibom State Command.
In a statement issued to journalists in Calabar by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Ewa Eitokpah, the command explained that the incident occurred on May 5, 2026, during a joint stop-and-search operation carried out by police officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army in Biase Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the two suspects, who were riding on a motorcycle, were intercepted and found in possession of firearms and live ammunition.
“The Command wishes to clarify that the incident occurred on 5th May 2026, when two suspects riding on a motorcycle were intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted jointly by men of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Nigerian Army in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
“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 and were found in possession of firearms and live ammunition at the time of their interception.
“The suspects were immediately taken into custody and subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, where a full-scale investigation is currently ongoing,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive, intent, and circumstances surrounding the actions of the suspects.
“The Command assures members of the public that no individual found wanting, regardless of status or affiliation, will be shielded from the full weight of the law.
“The Cross River State Police Command remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property across the state,” the statement added.
