Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a vehicle theft syndicate and recovered five vehicles during an intelligence-led operation in Calabar.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Satellite Town, reportedly led to the recovery of three tricycles and two motorcycles suspected to have been stolen.
Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence and formed part of ongoing efforts by the command to dismantle criminal networks involved in vehicle theft and illegal distribution of stolen property.
“The Cross River State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing efforts against criminal syndicates, following an intelligence-led operation by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, Calabar, which led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of five vehicles suspected to be stolen,” the statement said.
According to the police, the operation began on August 31, 2026, with the arrest of 28-year-old Effiong Archibong Sunday, who was reportedly found in possession of a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly provided information that led operatives to other individuals believed to be linked to the network.
Acting on the intelligence gathered, police operatives reportedly conducted a follow-up operation in the early hours of 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.
“Acting on the information obtained during the investigation, VCRU operatives conducted a follow-up operation at about 0300hrs on 1 September 2026, leading to the arrest of four additional suspects allegedly connected with the suspected receiving and distribution network,” Eitokpah said.
The command said searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects resulted in the recovery of three tricycles and one motorcycle, bringing the total number of recovered vehicles to five.
Police said investigations were ongoing to verify the ownership and status of the recovered vehicles, identify other persons connected to the alleged offences and determine the full extent of the suspected network.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, commended the operatives for the operation and warned individuals involved in the theft, concealment, receiving or sale of stolen vehicles that the command would continue to pursue credible leads and ensure those found culpable face legal action.
“I want to warn anybody or persons involved in the theft, receiving, concealment or sale of stolen vehicles that the Command would pursue all credible leads and take appropriate legal action against persons found culpable,” Ordue said.
He also urged motorcycle and tricycle owners to promptly report theft cases and provide useful information to aid investigations, while advising members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or harassing suspects.
