The Cross River State Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered five vehicles allegedly linked to a motorcycle and tricycle theft network operating between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, Calabar, in an intelligence-led operation directed by the Cross River Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the operation followed credible intelligence about a syndicate allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles in Akwa Ibom and transferring them to suspected receivers in Cross River for onward sale.

The statement said the first suspect, 28-year-old Effiong Archibong Sunday, was arrested at about 2 pm on August 31, 2026, with one motorcycle allegedly recovered from him.

During preliminary investigation, the suspect allegedly mentioned one Elewe, whose other names were yet to be ascertained, as a member of the suspected network.

He was also alleged to have told investigators that Elewe stole motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom and transferred them to one Efefiong in Cross River for onward sale.

Acting on the information, VCRU operatives conducted a follow-up operation at about 3 am on September 1, leading to the arrest of four other suspects.

They were identified as Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24.

Police said searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects, in accordance with applicable legal procedures, led to the recovery of three tricycles and another motorcycle suspected to have been stolen.

The Command said the five recovered vehicles comprised three tricycles and two motorcycles, adding that their ownership and status were being verified.

It said further investigations were underway to establish the provenance of the vehicles, identify other persons allegedly connected with the suspected offences and determine the full extent of the network.

The police stressed that the suspects remained innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Commending the VCRU operatives for what he described as their prompt and professional response, CP Ordue reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and strategic surveillance aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates in the state.

He warned persons involved in the theft, receiving, concealment or sale of stolen vehicles that the police would pursue credible leads and prosecute those found culpable.

The Commissioner also urged motorcycle and tricycle owners and operators to promptly report cases of theft and provide useful information to the police to facilitate the recovery of stolen property.

He cautioned members of the public against self-help, unlawful searches or harassment of persons merely suspected of involvement in criminal activities. (TRIBUNE)