The Cross River State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of an alleged motorcycle and tricycle theft syndicate and recovered five vehicles during an intelligence-led operation in Calabar.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Satellite Town, Calabar, dismantled the suspected criminal network following credible intelligence.
According to the police, the operation began on August 31, 2026, at about 2pm, with the arrest of 28-year-old Effiong Archibong Sunday. One motorcycle suspected to have been stolen was reportedly recovered from him.
The statement read, “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 operation reflects the sustained efforts of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, to disrupt suspected criminal networks across the State.”
During preliminary investigations, the police said the suspect allegedly made statements linking himself to the crime and identified an individual known as “Elewe” as a possible member of the network.
Investigators were told that Elewe allegedly stole motorcycles and tricycles from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State before moving them to another individual identified as “Efefiong” in Cross River for resale.
The command, however, noted that the allegations were still under investigation and remained subject to judicial determination.
“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. They are: Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24,” ASP Sunday Eitokpah said.
The police said searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects resulted in the recovery of three tricycles and another motorcycle believed to have been stolen.
Combined with the motorcycle earlier recovered, the operation has so far led to the recovery of five vehicles — three tricycles and two motorcycles. Police said efforts were ongoing to verify their ownership and status.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, praised the VCRU operatives for their swift and professional handling of the operation and reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven and lawful actions against criminal networks across the state.
He warned individuals involved in stealing, receiving, hiding or selling stolen vehicles that the police would follow every credible lead and ensure that those found culpable faced legal consequences.
“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. Members of the public, particularly motorcycle and tricycle owners and operators, are advised to promptly report thefts and provide credible information to assist the police in recovering stolen property and dismantling criminal networks.
“Members of the public are also advised not to engage in self-help, unlawful searches or harassment of persons suspected of involvement in criminal activity,” he added.
Ordue said investigations were continuing to establish the ownership and origin of the recovered vehicles, uncover other individuals allegedly connected to the offences and determine the full scope of the suspected criminal network.