The Cross River State Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered five vehicles suspected to have been stolen in an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected motorcycle and tricycle theft network.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, Calabar, following credible intelligence about a syndicate allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State and transferring them to suspected receivers in Cross River State.
According to a statement issued by the Command on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the first suspect, 28-year-old Effiong Archibong Sunday, was arrested on August 31 at about 2pm, with one motorcycle recovered in connection with the arrest.
The police said preliminary investigation allegedly led to information implicating another person identified as Elewe, whose other names are yet to be established. The suspect allegedly told investigators that Elewe steals motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State and transfers them to a person identified as Efefiong in Cross River State for onward sale.
The police noted that the allegations are still subject to further investigation and judicial determination.
Acting on the information obtained during the investigation, VCRU operatives carried out a follow-up operation at about 3am on September 1, leading to the arrest of four additional suspects identified as Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24.
The Command said searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects resulted in the recovery of three tricycles and one motorcycle suspected to be stolen.
With the motorcycle recovered during the initial arrest, the police said a total of five suspected stolen vehicles — three tricycles and two motorcycles — have so far been recovered.
The Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the ownership and provenance of the recovered vehicles, identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged offences and determine the full extent of the suspected network.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, commended the VCRU operatives for their response and reaffirmed the Command's commitment to intelligence-led operations and surveillance against criminal syndicates across Cross River State.
He warned persons involved in the theft, receiving, concealment or sale of stolen vehicles that the Command would pursue credible leads and take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable.
The Commissioner also urged motorcycle and tricycle owners and operators to promptly report theft incidents and provide credible information to assist the police in recovering stolen property and dismantling criminal networks.
The Command cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands through unlawful searches or harassment of persons suspected of criminal activity.
The police stressed that the five suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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