The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed claims of unlawful entry and indiscriminate arrests at White House Lodge, Calabar, describing the operation as targeted and intelligence-driven.
In a press statement issued on March 26, the Command said the officers seen in a viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) were operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Crack Unit, acting on credible intelligence.
According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the operation was carried out following a duly endorsed petition from the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
“The officers featured in the video were engaged in a targeted, intelligence-driven operation. The action was executed pursuant to a duly endorsed petition concerning serious allegations of computer-related fraud, money laundering, and advance fee fraud,” the statement read.
The Command emphasized that the operation was not random, but based on specific intelligence aimed at addressing alleged criminal activities.
Despite this clarification, the Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate review of the incident to ensure that all actions taken by the operatives complied with established legal procedures.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate review of the incident to ensure full compliance with due process. Any officer found to have acted outside the law will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement added.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could mislead or cause unnecessary tension.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to lawful, professional, and accountable policing across the state.
Kingsley Agim
