The Cross River Police Command arrested two serving officers found in possession of firearms and ammunition while a communal dispute raged in the state. The arrests came as the command launched a full investigation into how the officers came to have the weapons during what sources described as an active conflict between communities.
Neither the command nor police authorities disclosed the names of the two officers or the specific communities involved in the dispute. What remained clear was that the discovery of serving policemen armed with weapons outside their regular duties triggered immediate action from the state police leadership.
The timing of the arrests, during an active communal crisis, raised questions about whether the officers were attempting to exploit the situation or had simply joined the conflict. Cross River has a history of communal disputes over land and chieftaincy matters that periodically boil over into violence.
The police command's swift response signalled zero tolerance for officers who abuse their position or weaponry. Investigations would determine whether the officers faced charges related to conspiracy, illegal possession, or involvement in the communal violence itself.
The state police spokesman is expected to release a detailed statement once the preliminary investigation concludes, which will clarify the exact circumstances of the arrest and what charges the officers may face.
