Tag: CR police

By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Cross River State Police Command has clarified circumstances surrounding a tense confrontation between its operatives and youths at Utuhu Junction in Obanliku Local Government Area, which led to injuries, the temporary loss of police firearms and heightened public concern.
According to the command, the incident occurred during a lawful operation to arrest suspects linked to a reported case of assault occasioning harm, contrary to online claims that the police action was connected to illegal gambling.
The police said the case was reported by one Elizabeth Akinya, while suspects involved include Peter Odey, also known as “Ola,” Michael Ashaba, and others still at large.
The confrontation, the command explained, took place on February 9, 2026, at about 2pm, when the suspects allegedly resisted arrest, mobilised youths in the area and attacked the police team.
During the attack, the suspects were said to have forcefully dispossessed the officers of two assault rifles, an action the police described as a serious threat to public safety within the community.
In an effort to prevent the escape of the armed suspects and recover the stolen firearms, one of the suspects, Peter Odey, reportedly sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately taken to Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu, for medical treatment.
The police further disclosed that three officers who sustained injuries during the clash were rushed to the General Hospital, Sankwala, for treatment.
With the intervention of military tactical teams, community leaders and relevant government authorities, the command said the two assault rifles were successfully recovered, the patrol vehicle retrieved and normalcy restored in the area.
The command added that an internal investigation has been launched into the incident, stressing that no police officer involved is above the law.
Residents of the area were urged to remain calm, refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, as the police assured that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has hosted the Commandant of the Amphibious Training School (ATS), Calabar, Brigadier General M. I. Amatso, at the Command Headquarters in Calabar.

The courtesy visit, which took place on Monday, February 10, 2026, also had members of the police management team in attendance and was aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation between the police and the military formation.

Speaking during the visit, Brigadier General Amatso, the 37th Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, said the engagement was to familiarize himself with the police command following his recent posting to Calabar.

He explained that the Amphibious Training School is responsible for training personnel in water survival and amphibious operational skills, particularly to enhance tactical effectiveness within riverine environments.

The Commandant stressed the need for a more robust partnership between both institutions, calling for enhanced synergy and collaboration among officers and men across all ranks to promote esprit de corps and operational efficiency.

In his response, CP Afegbua described the visit as commendable and unprecedented, noting that sustained collaboration between security agencies remains critical to effective policing and public safety.

The police boss emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of waterways across the state as a proactive measure to curb criminal activities, assuring the Commandant of the command’s unwavering support and cooperation.

CP Afegbua further noted that the police command has continued to enjoy strong collaboration with military components in the state since his assumption of office.

The visit, both parties agreed, underscores their shared commitment to enhanced inter-agency synergy in the interest of security and safety in Cross River State.