By Odey Ojeka
Two Nigeria Police officers have been arrested and taken into custody after being found with firearms and ammunition in connection with the crisis in Ugep and Idomi in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Community members alleged that the officers were supplying weapons to one of the communities, further fueling the land dispute that started in late April.
They were intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted jointly by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army at Ibiaye Checkpoint, in Biase Local Government Area, near Ugep in Yakurr.
According to a viral video circulating online since Wednesday, the officers were found with 163 rounds of ammunition and firearms.
Sources alleged that the suspects were supplying the weapons to Idomi, one of the warring communities.
Confirming the arrest, the Divisional Police Officer of Ugep, Mr Innocent Ayabotu, in a comment on a Facebook post, on Wednesday, stated that: “The video of the two guys are [sic] suspected to be police officers from Idomi who were intercepted and arrested by officers at a checkpoint at Ibiaye by the Palm Estate.”
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many residents questioning the source of the 163 rounds of AK-47 ammunition allegedly found with the suspects.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Army Deployed to Ugep and Idomi as Gov. Otu’s Chief Security Adviser Urges Peace
The Two Police Officers Are From Akwa Ibom State Command
In an official press release made available to journalists on Wednesday, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Police Command, confirmed the interception of the ammunition and the arrest of the officers.
The statement which was made on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, added 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.
“The Cross River State Police Command has taken note of a viral video currently circulating on social media alleging the arrest of two police officers intercepted with firearms and ammunition in connection with the ongoing Ugep–Idomi communal crisis.
“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 read.
Adding, “The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, psc, mnips, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive, intent, and full circumstances surrounding the suspects’ actions.
“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, and remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property across the state.”
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