The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging brutality by its personnel, describing the video as a misrepresentation of events.

The incident occurred on 15 January 2026, around 12:45 p.m., when the Operation Anti-Kidnapping Unit (“Dragon”) was conducting a routine patrol near the Ettagbor axis in Calabar. Officers flagged a white Mercedes-Benz with an irregular registration number for verification. When asked to stop, the vehicle’s occupants fled into a nearby telecommunications complex, “Tonimas,” opposite the University of Calabar.

Attempts to conduct further checks and lawfully detain the occupants were met with resistance and public disruption. Bystanders allegedly became aggressive, throwing stones and sticks at officers, escalating tensions. Reinforcements from Operation Sting, Anti-Cultism, and Paramilitary Intervention (Operation Okowor) eventually arrived. During the struggle, the suspect resisted arrest, resulting in torn clothing for both the suspect and an officer.

The police emphasized that the viral video distorts the true circumstances, and the Command is committed to transparency and lawful enforcement while maintaining public safety.