The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 60 suspects following an alleged assault on a police officer around Watt Market, Calabar, and has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video circulating on social media.
The Command said the video, which allegedly suggested that market women at Watt Market held a police officer following a chase involving a suspected internet fraudster and that a trader’s goods were scattered, did not accurately reflect the circumstances of the incident.
Police Officer Rescued After Alleged Attack
According to the Police, the incident occurred on September 15, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., when a concerned member of the public alerted authorities that a police officer was allegedly being attacked around Goldie by Etim Edem Lane, Calabar.
The Command said patrol officers from Atakpa Police Division were immediately mobilised to the area, where the affected Police Constable was rescued and taken to the station.
Officer Gives Account of Incident
In his account, the officer reportedly said he was proceeding from his office through Goldie by Bedwell Junction to join his team members when he attempted to impound a motorcycle.
According to the officer, the motorcycle had allegedly stepped on his leg while he was on duty on September 11, 2026, after which the rider escaped.
He reportedly stated that when he later attempted to apprehend the rider, some roadside traders allegedly confronted and assaulted him while aiding the rider’s escape.
Police Allegedly Lost Equipment During Incident
The officer further alleged that his riot gun was tampered with, while his police uniform and shoes were torn during the incident.
He also reportedly alleged that his Samsung X10 mobile phone was taken and that pepper and egg were poured on his face and body.
According to his account, the motorcycle was also forcibly taken from him, allowing the rider to escape. The officer reportedly told investigators that he could identify some of those allegedly involved.
60 Suspects Arrested
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, directed the Command to urgently gather intelligence, identify those involved and arrest anyone found culpable for prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Police said that on September 16, 2026, at about 10:45 a.m., patrol and surveillance teams from Atakpa Police Division were reinforced by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The operation resulted in the arrest of 60 suspects in the area.
The suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, while efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other persons who may have participated in the alleged assault.
Police Urge Public to Verify Viral Information
The Command expressed appreciation to the member of the public whose timely alert enabled officers to respond and rescue the police constable.
The Police urged members of the public to rely on verified information and avoid drawing conclusions from incomplete or misleading narratives circulating online.
The Command said normalcy has been restored at Watt Market, while security monitoring remains ongoing.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and stated that attacks on police officers or other members of the public would not be tolerated.
The Command said further developments would be communicated to the public as appropriate.
E-signed:
ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, ANIPR, MNISMA
Police Public Relations Officer
Cross River State Police Command
September 16, 2026
Note: Allegations contained in this report are based on the account released by the Cross River State Police Command. The arrested suspects remain entitled to due process, and culpability will be determined in accordance with the law.
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