The Cross River State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit has said it intervened to prevent a mob action against a suspected armed robber in Calabar, recovering a firearm and arresting three suspects.
The operation took place in the early hours of Sunday after the suspected robber allegedly attempted to rob a woman in the Abangasang area of Mbora Street.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the command said the suspect was beaten unconscious by an angry mob and rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in the early hours of Sunday, 25th January 2026, successfully intervened to prevent a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar.
“The operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.
“The suspect, who was beaten unconscious by an angry mob at Abangasang area, Mbora Street, Calabar, was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention. Unfortunately, the victim, yet to be identified, was pronounced dead at the hospital in the early hours of this morning.”
The command said three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
“The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues,” it added.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid Afegbua, described the operation as a demonstration of the command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives and adherence to the rule of law.
He condemned mob action and urged members of the public to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
This incident comes amid ongoing efforts by police forces to combat armed robbery and vigilante violence in urban areas.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against extrajudicial actions, which can complicate investigations and lead to unnecessary loss of life.
