By Our Correspondent

National News – The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into two serving police officers arrested with firearms and live ammunition during the ongoing communal crisis between the Ugep and Idomi communities in Biase Local Government Area.

The incident, which happened on May 6, 2026, sparked public concern after a viral video linked the officers to the unrest in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Akata, confirmed on Wednesday that the officers were intercepted during a joint stop-and-search operation carried out by police personnel and the Nigerian Army.

According to the command, the suspects were riding on a motorcycle when security operatives discovered weapons and ammunition in their possession.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the two men are active members of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

Authorities immediately detained the officers and transferred them to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for further questioning and forensic investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid Afegbua, has reportedly ordered a full-scale investigation to determine why the officers were carrying the firearms, their mission in the crisis-hit area, and whether their activities were connected to the communal violence between the Ugep and Idomi communities.

Police authorities assured residents that the investigation would be transparent and thorough.

The command stressed that no individual would be protected if found guilty, regardless of rank, position, or affiliation within the force.

The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns in Cross River State, where clashes between rival communities have raised fears over illegal arms movement and escalating violence.

Residents have called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and restore calm in the affected communities.