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| CP Rashid B. Afegbua |
The clarification comes just days after a protest by commercial motorcyclists in Calabar over the enforcement of the restriction, which reportedly led to the suspension of the government task force involved in the operation.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Command said reports linking the police to the enforcement of the motorcycle ban were false and misleading.
According to the police, the restriction on motorcycle operations in designated parts of the Calabar metropolis is a policy introduced by the Cross River State Government through the Office of the Senior State Adviser on Security under the Operation Okwok initiative.
The Command stressed that the policy did not originate from the police and is not being enforced by officers of the Cross River State Police Command.
The statement also explained that during the recent protest by commercial motorcyclists, police officers were only deployed to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and prevent the situation from escalating.
The police disclosed that the Commissioner of Police directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and other operational teams to restore peace across affected areas, which they successfully achieved.
Reacting to allegations that police officers were collecting money from motorcyclists while enforcing the restriction, the Command dismissed the claims.
It stated that the Commissioner of Police has never directed any officer or personnel of the Command to enforce the motorcycle restriction or demand money from any rider under the guise of implementing the government's policy.
The Command further warned that it does not tolerate extortion, abuse of office, or any form of unprofessional conduct by its personnel.
It reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law while carrying out its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and maintaining public order.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, and dated 11 July 2026.
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