Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects and recovered iron materials in an ongoing investigation into the alleged vandalism and theft of facilities belonging to Akamkpa Quarry Limited, popularly known as Sterling Global.
The latest arrests were carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Sector 2, Akamkpa/Ugep, during an operation in Obung Community, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, noting that the arrests followed an earlier operation in which two suspects were apprehended in connection with the case.
According to the command, the operation was triggered by a distress call from the Village Head of Obung Community, HRH Ntufam Elijah Clement Effiong, who alerted authorities that local youths were pursuing suspected members of a vandalism syndicate.
“The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged vandalism and theft of facilities belonging to Akamkpa Quarry Limited (Sterling Global), following the arrest of other suspects and recovery of exhibits announced by the Command on 27 August 2026,” the statement said.
The police identified the suspects as Michael Ochuche, 20; Elvis Enor Friday, 20; Theophilus Francis, 26; and Charles Vincent Etta, 23.
“Responding promptly, the operatives moved to the area and arrested Michael Ochuche, male, 20 years; Elvis Enor Friday, male, 20 years; Theophilus Francis, male, 26 years; and Charles Vincent Etta, male, 23 years. Two long iron poles and six iron reinforcement baskets were recovered,” the statement added.
The command described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle vandalism and protect critical infrastructure in the area.
Police said investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other individuals linked to the alleged network.
Commissioner of Police Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue commended the operatives for their swift response and praised the Obung Community leadership for providing timely intelligence that aided the arrests.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and collaboration with communities to safeguard public and private infrastructure across Cross River State.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
