By Onwa Ekor
Following an intelligence-led operation by the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, Satellite Town, Calabar, Cross River Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered five vehicles suspected to be stolen.
The operation, carried out between August 31 and September 1, 2026, targeted an alleged syndicate involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom and selling them to receivers in Cross River
.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Commissioner of Police, CP Geoffrey Ordue, directed the VCRU to act on credible intelligence linking the group to theft and distribution of commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
The first suspect, Effiong Archibong Sunday, 28, was arrested on August 31, 2026 at about 2:00 p.m. and one motorcycle was recovered from him.
During preliminary investigation, he allegedly mentioned one “Elewe” as being involved in stealing the vehicles in Akwa Ibom and passing them to one “Efefiong” in Cross River for resale. Police said these claims are still under investigation.
Acting on the information, VCRU operatives conducted a follow-up raid at about 3:00 a.m. on September 1, 2026 where four more suspects were arrested: Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24.
Searches at locations linked to the suspects led to the recovery of three tricycles and one motorcycle.
With the motorcycle recovered earlier, the total number of vehicles recovered in the operation stands at five: three tricycles and two motorcycles.
Police said efforts are ongoing to verify ownership and trace the origin of the recovered vehicles.
CP Ordue commended the VCRU team for what he described as a prompt and professional operation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and surveillance against criminal syndicates across the state.
He warned those involved in theft, receiving, or sale of stolen vehicles that the Command would pursue all credible leads and take legal action against anyone found culpable.
The CP also urged motorcycle, tricycle owners and operators to promptly report cases of theft and provide useful information to aid recovery efforts.
Members of the public were advised to avoid self-help, unlawful searches, or harassment of persons suspected of crime.
“The Command assures residents that its lawful and ongoing efforts against criminal syndicates will be sustained with renewed vigour,” the statement added.
Police noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
