Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Cross River State Police Command has smashed a suspected syndicate involved in the theft of motorcycles and tricycles, arresting five suspects and recovering five stolen vehicles in a coordinated intelligence-led operation. The breakthrough, announced by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, marks a significant victory in the command's ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across state lines. The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, Calabar, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.
According to the police, the investigation began with actionable intelligence about a syndicate allegedly stealing motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State and transporting them to suspected receivers in Cross River for resale. The first arrest came on Monday, August 31, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., when 28-year-old Effiong Archibong Sunday was taken into custody with one suspected stolen motorcycle recovered from him. During preliminary interrogation, Sunday allegedly implicated another individual, identified only as "Elewe," in the network. He reportedly claimed that Elewe stole the vehicles in Akwa Ibom and transferred them to one "Efefiong" in Cross River for onward sale.
Acting on this lead, VCRU operatives conducted a follow-up operation in the early hours of Tuesday, September 1, at about 3:00 a.m., which led to the arrest of four additional suspects. They were identified as Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24. Searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects, in accordance with legal procedures, led to the recovery of three tricycles and another motorcycle. Combined with the initial recovery, the total haul stands at five vehicles: three tricycles and two motorcycles.
The police have stressed that all five suspects remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. While the ownership and status of the recovered vehicles are currently being verified, investigations are ongoing to identify other persons connected to the network and determine the full extent of the criminal operation.
Commending the VCRU operatives for their prompt and professional response, CP Ordue reaffirmed the command's commitment to intelligence-led policing and strategic surveillance aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates in the state. He also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the theft, receiving, concealment, or sale of stolen vehicles, stating that the police would pursue all credible leads and prosecute those found culpable.
CP Ordue further urged members of the public, particularly motorcycle and tricycle owners, to promptly report thefts and provide credible information to assist the police in recovering stolen property and dismantling criminal networks. He also cautioned against self-help, unlawful searches, or harassment of persons merely suspected of involvement in criminal activities.
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