Security Outfit Defies Order, Opens Fire on Cyclists in Calabar
By Inemesit FRIDAY
Tension gripped parts of Calabar on Friday evening last weekend as operatives of the state security outfit, Operation Okwot, allegedly opened fire on commercial motorcyclists attempting to evade the seizure of their motorcycles, despite a government directive isolating the area from ongoing ban on cyclists.
The incident, which occurred at Access Junction in the Nyanasang area of Calabar metropolis, sent residents, traders, and commuters scampering for safety as the operatives reportedly fired live bullets during a chase.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclists fled upon sighting the patrol vehicle, provoking the security team to open fire.
Residents of Nyanasang have since condemned the act, describing it as reckless and unlawful. They accused the Nigeria Police Force, Airport Division, and Operation Okwot operatives of persistent harassment and extortion of cyclists, even though the area was exempted from the state’s motorcycle ban.
A cyclist, Okon Ntui, who spoke to reporters, said many riders now live in fear due to repeated confrontations with the security teams. “We are just trying to earn a living. They keep seizing our bikes and shooting at us even though the government allowed us to operate here,” he lamented.
Several residents called on Governor Bassey Otu to intervene urgently, noting that the use of firearms violates the state’s directive against brutality and harassment in enforcing the motorcycle restriction.
They demanded an investigation and disciplinary action against the operatives involved.
Civil society groups have also urged the state government to review the enforcement strategy, warning that such violent actions could escalate tension and further erode public confidence in security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of Operation Okwot had yet to issue an official statement. Efforts to reach the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (rtd), were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, residents and motorcyclists in the affected area have appealed for calm and called for stricter oversight of security operations to prevent further endangerment of lives.
