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.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Akata, on Wednesday, said that the feat reflected the sustained efforts of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Ordue, to disrupt suspected criminal networks across the State.
According to the statement, following credible intelligence concerning a suspected syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State and their subsequent transfer to suspected receivers in Cross River State, the Commissioner directed the VCRU to commence investigation and take appropriate lawful action.
The operation led to the arrest of one of the syndicates, a male, 28, on 31 August 2026 at about 1400hrs. One motorcycle was recovered in connection with the arrest.
During preliminary investigation, the suspect, according to the Command, allegedly made statements implicating himself and mentioned a crime syndicate, as a person allegedly connected with the suspected network.
The suspect further alleged that the syndicate steals motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State and transfers them to someone else in Cross River State, for onward sale.
“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.
“Searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects, pursuant to applicable legal procedures, resulted in the recovery of three tricycles and one motorcycle suspected to be stolen.
“Together with the motorcycle recovered during the arrest of the first suspect, the operation has so far yielded five vehicles: three tricycles and two motorcycles. The ownership and status of the recovered vehicles are being verified.”
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The Command noted that it has commenced further investigation to establish the ownership and provenance of the recovered vehicles, identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected with the suspected offences, and determine the full extent of the alleged network.
CP Ordue commended the VCRU operatives for their prompt and professional response and reaffirmed his commitment to lawful, intelligence-led operations and strategic surveillance against criminal syndicates.
The Commissioner warned 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.
He urged members of the public, particularly motorcycle and tricycle owners and operators, 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.
The Command assures residents that its lawful and ongoing efforts against criminal syndicates will be sustained with renewed vigour as CP Ordue continues to strengthen proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing across the State.
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