The Cross River State Police Command has arrested five suspects following an intelligence-led operation targeting an alleged syndicate involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State for resale in Cross River.
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, Satellite Town, carried out the operation between August 31 and September 1, 2026, recovering five vehicles suspected to have been stolen.
The operation followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Geoffrey Ordue, after credible intelligence allegedly linked the group to the theft and movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles across state lines.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the first suspect, Effiong Archibong Sunday, 28, was arrested in Calabar on August 31 with one motorcycle.
Police said information obtained during interrogation subsequently led operatives to conduct another operation at about 3:00 a.m. on September 1.
Four additional suspects — Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24 — were arrested.
Searches conducted at locations associated with the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of three tricycles and another motorcycle.
The total number of vehicles recovered during the operation consequently rose to five — three tricycles and two motorcycles.
CP Ordue commended the VCRU operatives and said the Command was strengthening intelligence-led policing aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks rather than merely responding to isolated crimes.
He warned persons involved in receiving, concealing or reselling stolen vehicles that they would also face prosecution where found culpable.
The Commissioner urged commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to promptly report thefts and provide information capable of assisting investigators.
Residents were equally cautioned against self-help, unlawful searches or harassment of persons suspected of criminal activity.
Police said investigations were continuing to establish the ownership and origin of the recovered vehicles and identify other persons who may be connected with the alleged network.
The suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
EXTERNAL SOURCE: Read full report on The Guardian
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