Police operatives in Calabar, Cross River State, have arrested 60 suspects—including roadside traders from Watt Market—following a violent assault on a police constable on duty.

 

The incident occurred at the busy junction of Goldie by Etim Edem Lane in Calabar, sparking a swift law enforcement crackdown across the commercial district.

 

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### How the Incident Unfolded

 

According to police reports, the conflict began on **September 11, 2026**, when a commercial motorcycle rider accidentally ran over a police constable's leg while the officer was performing his official duties.

 

When the constable attempted to impound the motorcycle on **Wednesday, September 16**, local roadside traders intervened, confronting the officer and allowing the motorcyclist to escape.

 

In his account of the ordeal, the constable detailed a severe assault by the surrounding crowd:

 

> *"I was confronted and assaulted by some roadside traders who aided the rider to escape. During the melee, my riot gun was tampered with, my uniform and shoes were torn, and my Samsung X10 mobile phone was taken,"* the officer reported.

> *"Pepper and egg were poured on my face and body, while the motorcycle was forcibly taken from me, enabling the rider to escape."*

 

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### Police Crackdown & Mass Arrests

 

Upon receiving a distress call from a concerned bystander, a patrol team from the **Atakpa Police Division** rushed to the scene to rescue the officer, who stated he could identify key perpetrators.

 

In response, Cross River State Commissioner of Police, **CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue**, ordered an immediate intelligence gathering and enforcement operation to bring all culpable individuals to justice.

 

Providing an official update, the Command's Public Relations Officer, **ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata**, confirmed that reinforced units—combining teams from the Atakpa Division and the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU)—conducted a sweep of the Watt Market area on Wednesday morning.

 

Key updates on the case include:

 

* **60 Suspects Detained:** A total of 60 individuals picked up during the sweep are currently undergoing screening and interrogation at the command headquarters.

* **Ongoing Investigation:** Operatives are actively searching for additional accomplices who participated in the mob action or stole police property.

* **Legal Action Ahead:** The Police Command reiterated that anyone found culpable upon screening will face full prosecution under the law.