The Cross River State Police Command has busted a cross-border syndicate allegedly specialising in the theft of motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom State and their subsequent sale in Cross River State.
In an intelligence-led operation conducted between August 31 and September 1, 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, arrested five suspects and recovered five vehicles suspected to have been stolen.
The arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Geoffrey Ordue, after credible intelligence linked the group to the theft and distribution of commercial motorcycles and tricycles across state lines.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the first suspect, Effiong Archibong Sunday, 28, was arrested at about 2:00 p.m. on August 31 in Calabar with one motorcycle.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly led police to a wider network, identifying one “Elewe” as the person allegedly responsible for stealing the vehicles in Akwa Ibom and one “Efefiong” in Cross River as the person who allegedly received and sold them.
Police said the claims are still being investigated.
Acting on the information, VCRU operatives carried out a follow-up raid at about 3:00 a.m. on September 1, leading to the arrest of four additional suspects: Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24.
Searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects resulted in the recovery of three tricycles and one motorcycle.
With the motorcycle recovered during the initial arrest, the total number of vehicles recovered in the operation stands at five, comprising three tricycles and two motorcycles.
CP Ordue commended the VCRU team for what he described as a prompt and professional operation, saying the Command was shifting its focus towards intelligence-led policing aimed at dismantling criminal networks rather than pursuing isolated cases.
He also issued a strong warning to individuals involved in the purchase and resale of stolen vehicles in the state.
“We will pursue all credible leads and take legal action against anyone found culpable, whether they are the thieves or the receivers,” the CP stated.
The Commissioner appealed to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to report theft cases promptly and provide information that could assist the police in recovering stolen vehicles.
He also cautioned members of the public against “self-help, unlawful searches, or harassment” of persons suspected of committing crimes.
“The Command assures residents that its lawful and ongoing efforts against criminal syndicates will be sustained with renewed vigour,” the statement added.
Police said efforts are ongoing to verify ownership of the recovered vehicles and trace their origins back to Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects remain in police custody and are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
