The Cross River State Police Command has warned police officers against demanding or collecting money from commercial drivers and tricycle operators during stop-and-search operations, following allegations of roadside extortion along the Calabar Road–Watt Market axis.
The warning was issued during an engagement between the police and major transport stakeholders held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Atakpa Police Division, Calabar.
The engagement followed a recent publication alleging that commercial drivers and tricycle operators were being subjected to unlawful payments around Calabar Road, Watt Market and adjoining areas. Reports had alleged that some motorists were being asked to pay between ₦200 and ₦500 at checkpoints along the route.
The police said the meeting reflected the policing priorities of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, particularly his emphasis on discipline, accountability and community-oriented policing.
The Commissioner was represented at the meeting by the Divisional Police Officer of Atakpa Police Division, CSP Azenda Peter, whose division has jurisdiction over the affected area.
Among those present were executive members of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, led by its State Chairman, Mr Nta Henshaw, and representatives of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, led by the Calabar South/Municipality Chairman, Chief Pastor Ekpenyong Ewa.
The Command made it clear that no police officer is authorised to demand, solicit or compel drivers or riders to make payments during stop-and-search operations or any other lawful police activity.
It therefore urged motorists and riders not to make such payments and to report any officer who demands or solicits money.
The Command provided two complaint lines — 08137083052 and 08134096900 — through which members of the public can report alleged unlawful demands by police personnel.
At the same time, the police reminded commercial drivers and tricycle operators that the prohibition of extortion does not remove their obligation to obey traffic laws and lawful police directives.
The Command said motorists found violating traffic regulations would continue to face enforcement action through established legal procedures.
The Commissioner also reminded police officers across the state of the need to maintain professionalism, discipline and integrity while carrying out their duties.
The latest engagement comes amid heightened public attention to police conduct in Calabar. The Command has recently responded to other incidents involving police-citizen confrontations, including the Watt Market incident in which 60 people were initially arrested over the alleged assault of a police officer. The police later said four suspects were identified for court proceedings.
The Command said it would continue engaging transport unions and other stakeholders to address legitimate concerns and strengthen public confidence in policing.
It further assured residents that credible complaints of police misconduct would be investigated and handled in accordance with the law.
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