Robbery suspect attacked by mob, rescued by police, dies at UCTH, 3 arrested, firearm recovered

A robbery suspect who was rescued by men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Nigeria Police Command

Cross River State after he was beaten unconscious by mob, has lost his life battle at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), while receiving medical attention.

Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah said the incident occurred
in the early hours of Sunday, 25th January 2026 in a statement, which confirmed the recover firearm, and arrest three suspects involved in the mob attack of the victim.

He said the unidentified the suspected armed robber who was caught while attempting to rob a lady in Calabar, was “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”, according to the police spokesman who also stated that the arrested suspects are assisting the police in its ongoing investigation.

He stated that 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.

Part of the statement reads, “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.

“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”, police said.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crime, the CP strongly condemned mob action and emphasized that suspects apprehended by private individuals must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Afegbua also appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while reassuring the residents of Cross River State of its unwavering resolve to ensure safety and security in the State.