Normalcy Returns to Calabar as Police Arrest 60 Suspects Over Officer’s Attack
By Inyang Inyang
Normalcy has returned to Calabar, Cross River State, after police arrested 60 suspects allegedly linked to the assault of a police officer at Watt Market.
The Calabar police officer attack occurred on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, around Goldie by Etim Edem Lane, with the Cross River State Police Command saying it has restored normalcy in the area.
Key Highlights
- Police say normalcy has returned to Calabar following the incident at Watt Market.
- Sixty suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged assault of a police officer.
- The officer alleged that his uniform and shoes were torn during the incident.
- He also alleged that his riot gun was tampered with and his mobile phone taken.
- Police say the suspects are undergoing screening and interrogation.
- Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved.
Police officer allegedly attacked at Calabar market
According to a statement by ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, a member of the public alerted the police that an officer was being attacked around Goldie by Etim Edem Lane in Calabar.
Acting on the information, a patrol team from Atakpa Police Division was immediately mobilised to the area.
The officer was rescued and taken to the police station.
According to the police officer’s account, he was proceeding from his office through Goldie by Bedwell Junction to join his team members when he attempted to impound a motorcycle.
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The officer alleged that the motorcycle had earlier accidentally stepped on his leg while he was on duty on September 11, 2026, after which the rider allegedly escaped.
He said that when he later attempted to apprehend the rider, some roadside traders allegedly confronted and assaulted him while assisting the rider to escape.
Officer alleges uniform, phone and riot gun were targeted
The officer further alleged that his riot gun was tampered with during the incident, while his police uniform and shoes were torn.
He also alleged that his Samsung X10 mobile phone was taken.
According to his account, pepper and egg were poured on his face and body, while the motorcycle was forcibly taken from him, enabling the rider to escape.
The officer told the police that he could identify some of the people allegedly involved in the incident.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the suspects remain subject to police investigation.
Police arrest 60 suspects in Calabar
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed the Command to gather intelligence, identify those allegedly involved and arrest anyone found culpable for prosecution in accordance with the law.
The police said patrol and surveillance teams from Atakpa Police Division were reinforced by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of 60 suspects in the area at about 10:45 a.m. on September 16, 2026.
The suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, according to the police.
Police search for other suspects
The Cross River State Police Command said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons who may have participated in the incident.
The Command also expressed appreciation to the member of the public whose alert enabled police operatives to respond quickly and rescue the officer.
The police said the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not tolerate attacks on police officers or members of the public.
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