The Cross River State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on suspected criminal syndicates following an intelligence-led operation by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, Calabar.
The operation, carried out under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of five vehicles suspected to be stolen, comprising three tricycles and two motorcycles.
Police Investigate Suspected Motorcycle and Tricycle Theft Network
The operation followed credible intelligence concerning a suspected syndicate allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State and transferring them to suspected receivers in Cross River State.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commissioner directed VCRU operatives to commence investigations and take appropriate lawful action.
The investigation led to the arrest of Effiong Archibong Sunday, 28, at about 2:00 p.m. on August 31, 2026. One motorcycle was reportedly recovered during the arrest.
According to the Police Command, preliminary investigations produced information allegedly linking the suspect to other individuals believed to be connected with the suspected network. The allegations remain subject to further investigation and judicial determination.
Four More Suspects Arrested
Following information obtained during the investigation, VCRU operatives conducted a follow-up operation at about 3:00 a.m. on September 1, 2026, leading to the arrest of four additional suspects.
They were identified as:
- Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36
- Okon Eyo Nsa, 75
- Essien Ukpong, 60
- Nsa Essien Eyo, 24
The Police said searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects, in accordance with applicable legal procedures, resulted in the recovery of three tricycles and one motorcycle suspected to be stolen.
Together with the motorcycle recovered from the first suspect, the operation has so far yielded five suspected stolen vehicles — three tricycles and two motorcycles.
The ownership and status of the recovered vehicles are currently being verified.
Investigation Continues
The Command said further investigations are underway to establish the ownership and origin of the recovered vehicles, identify other persons who may be connected to the suspected offences and determine the full extent of the alleged criminal network.
The Police stressed that all five suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue commended VCRU operatives for what the Command described as a prompt and professional response, while reaffirming his commitment to intelligence-led policing, strategic surveillance and lawful operations against criminal syndicates in Cross River State.
Police Warn Against Vehicle Theft and Illegal Receivers
The Commissioner warned individuals involved in the theft, receiving, concealment or sale of stolen motorcycles and tricycles that the Command would pursue credible leads and take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable.
He also urged motorcycle and tricycle owners and operators to promptly report theft incidents and provide credible information that could assist the Police in recovering stolen property and dismantling criminal networks.
Residents were equally advised against engaging in self-help, unlawful searches or harassment of persons suspected of criminal activities.
The Cross River State Police Command assured residents that its efforts to tackle criminal syndicates would continue with renewed vigour through proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing.
E-signed:
ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, ANIPR, MNISMA
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Cross River State Police Command
Date: September 2, 2026
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