In the midst of the current community conflict between the Ugep and Idomi villages, two active police personnel were apprehended with guns and ammunition, according to the Cross River State Police Command.
The explanation came after a widely shared video on social media claimed that the policemen were detained in relation to the altercation.
The individuals were apprehended during a joint stop-and-search operation involving police officers and Nigerian Army forces in Biase Local Government Area, according to a statement released on Wednesday by Eitokpah Akata, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command.
The statement stated, “The Command wishes to clarify that the incident occurred on May 5, 2026, when two suspects riding 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 investigations, according to the police, revealed that the suspects are active members of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The statement went on, “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.”
According to the command, the policemen were detained right after and sent to the State Criminal inquiry Department in Calabar for additional inquiry.
“A thorough investigation is currently underway at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Calabar, after the suspects were promptly taken into custody,” Akata said.
According to reports, Rashid Afegbua, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, has ordered a thorough inquiry into the situation.
The statement read, “CP Rashid B. Afegbua, Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive, intent, and full circumstances surrounding the suspects’ actions.”
Residents were also reassured by the command that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted, regardless of affiliation or status.
The police said, “The Command guarantees members of the public that no one found wanting, regardless of status or affiliation, will be shielded from the full weight of the law.”
