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| CP Rashid B. Afegbua |
Calabar, November 21, 2025 — The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, on Friday held his first media parley since assuming office, assuring residents of the command’s readiness to secure lives and property as the state prepares for the festive season, including the renowned Carnival Calabar.
Addressing journalists at the State Police Headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar, CP Afegbua said his administration has pursued a policing strategy anchored on visible presence, intelligence-led operations, and partnership-driven policing since taking charge on July 7, 2025.
“Our approach has been guided by three core principles: visible presence, intelligence-led operations, and partnership-driven policing,” the Commissioner stated. “We are building a Cross River where citizens feel protected, not just policed.”
A Safer Cross River Through Collaboration
The police boss outlined his security vision as one built on collaboration, ensuring that criminal elements are denied space to operate. He highlighted several steps taken, including disrupting criminal networks, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and increasing police visibility across urban, rural, and border communities.
“We have restored trust and accountability in police-community relations,” Afegbua said, calling for continued partnership from the public and the media. “Policing is a shared responsibility, and we cannot be everywhere at once.”
He extended gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his confidence in posting him to the state, and to Governor Bassey Otu for “immeasurable support and commitment” to security operations.
Crime Statistics: 148 Cases Recorded in Four Months
Providing a breakdown of crime data between July 7 and November 21, 2025, Afegbua revealed that the command recorded 148 cases, including 19 murders, 11 armed robberies, 19 rapes, 7 firearm-related offences, and 2 kidnappings.
In the same period, the command charged 147 cases to court, securing 9 convictions, while 25 cases were conclusively prosecuted. A total of 113 cases are still pending trial, with 60 transmitted to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and others awaiting hearing at various courts.
Weapons and Narcotics Recovered
CP Afegbua also reported significant arms and ammunition recoveries, including:
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6 Locally fabricated long guns
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5 Locally made short guns
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284 cartridges
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2 machetes/knives
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520 cards of Tramadol
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Multiple parcels of “loud” and crystal substances (ice) are suspected to be illicit drugs
He added that several vehicles and properties recovered during operations have been released to verified owners on bond.
Renewed Focus on Community Safety
Afegbua emphasized that the command’s current operational priorities target violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping, particularly in identified hotspots and vulnerable rural areas. Protection of schools, markets, and state assets remains central to the command’s agenda.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to discipline and professionalism within the police force, noting that internal misconduct would be met with firm accountability measures.
“We remain committed to our mandate of ensuring peace and security,” the CP stated. “As we approach the festive period, our officers are on heightened alert to safeguard lives and property.”
Appeal for Cooperation
Concluding his remarks, CP Afegbua appealed to residents to support the police by sharing timely and credible information to help combat crime effectively, especially during the 2025 Carnival Calabar and Festival season.
“Your cooperation is critical to our success,” he urged. “With the continued support of citizens and the press, we will make Cross River safer for all.”
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