By Anietie Akpan
The Cross River State Police Command has denied video currently circulating on social media alleging police brutality by personnel of the Operation Anti-Kidnapping Unit (popularly known as “Dragon”).
The video had shown the police beating and dragging a suspect in the process of attempting arrest on a Mercedes-Benz driver attracting condemnation from some members of the public.
But the Command in a statement dated January 15, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Police Command clarified what it called, “the misrepresentation of what transpired in the incident”.
The statement reads:
“On 15 January 2026, at about 12:45 p.m., a team of the Operation Anti-Kidnapping Squad, was on routine township patrol around the Ettagbor axis when they sighted a white Mercedes-Benz vehicle bearing a suspicious and improperly assigned registration number, which aroused their suspicion.
The team attempted to stop the vehicle to question the occupants and determine the car’s true ownership. However, the occupants refused to stop and instead drove into a popular telecommunications gadget complex known as “Tonimas,” located opposite the University of Calabar, with the patrol team following closely behind.
Upon further questioning and an attempt to convey the vehicle and its occupants to the base for proper investigation, the suspect resisted lawful arrest and began to incite gadget vendors, students, and passers-by, falsely alleging that the Police were attempting to arrest and extort him unlawfully.
This action caused the situation to become tense. The team, observing the growing hostility, called for operational backup. Before the arrival of reinforcement, some members of the public became violent and pelted the officers with stones and sticks.
With the arrival of operatives from Operation Sting, Anti-Cultism, and Paramilitary Intervention (Operation Okowor), the suspect was eventually subdued and placed inside a patrol van. However, he jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to flee, violently resisting arrest. In the course of the struggle, his shirt was torn, and he also tore the uniform of one of the Anti-Kidnapping operatives.
The suspect was subsequently re-arrested through the combined effort of Police and military personnel, and the agitated crowd was dispersed.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged in court for serious assault on police officers, resisting lawful arrest, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The Cross River State Police Command reassures members of the public of its unwavering commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law. The Command does not condone any form of misconduct by its personnel and remains resolute in holding any officer found wanting accountable in line with extant regulations. Members of the public are urged to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and continue to cooperate with the Police in the collective effort to maintain peace and security across the State”.
