Two serving police officers attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command were arrested in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State on 5th May 2026, during a joint stop-and-search operation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army personnel. The officers were intercepted while riding a motorcycle and found in possession of firearms and live ammunition, according to a statement by Eitokpah Akata, Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command. The arrest occurred amid an ongoing communal crisis between the Ugep and Idomi communities, though the police did not link the officers directly to the conflict. A viral video showing the arrest circulated on social media, prompting the official clarification from the police command. The statement confirmed that the two suspects seen in the footage are active-duty police officers. They were apprehended during the routine operation in Biase, a local government area in Cross River State. The police command stated that the officers were immediately taken into custody for interrogation. No further details about their identities, ranks or specific roles were disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and the command said it would provide updates as appropriate. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has not issued a separate statement regarding the officers' deployment or prior conduct. The Cross River State Police Command reiterated that the operation was part of broader security measures in the region.
⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
