Police Officers Arrested for Supplying Firearms in Cross River

On May 5, 2026, two suspects were arrested during a routine stop and search operation conducted jointly by personnel from the Cross River State Police Command and the Nigerian Army at the Ibiay checkpoint in Biase Local Government Area. These suspects, who were later identified as serving members of the Nigerian Police Force attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, were found in possession of a firearm and 163 rounds of live ammunition.

The arrest followed allegations that police officers were supplying weapons to communities involved in land disputes, which had led to violent clashes. A viral video circulating online raised public concern about the officers' involvement.

Following their interception, the suspects were taken into custody and subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a full-scale investigation, which is currently ongoing. The incident has prompted a statement from the Cross River State Police Command, clarifying the situation.