Police Arrest Five Suspects, Recover Three Tricycles, Two Motorcycles in Cross River

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested five suspects allegedly linked to a syndicate involved in the theft and distribution of motorcycles and tricycles stolen from Akwa Ibom State.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Akata, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operation reflected the sustained efforts of Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Ordue, to disrupt criminal networks across the state.

According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence about a suspected syndicate allegedly stealing motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom and transferring them to suspected receivers in Cross River for onward sale.

Following the intelligence, the Commissioner directed the Vehicle and Crime Recovery Unit (VCRU) to commence investigations and take appropriate lawful action.

The operation led to the arrest of a 28-year-old male suspect at about 2pm on August 31, 2026. One motorcycle was recovered during the arrest.

During preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly made statements implicating himself and provided information about other individuals reportedly connected to the suspected criminal network.

The suspect further alleged that the syndicate steals motorcycles and tricycles in Akwa Ibom State before transferring them to receivers in Cross River State for resale.

Acting on the information, VCRU operatives conducted a follow-up operation at about 3am on September 1, leading to the arrest of four additional suspects allegedly connected to the receiving and distribution network.

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

The Command said the operation has so far yielded five vehicles comprising three tricycles and two motorcycles. Their ownership and status are currently being verified.

Police authorities said further investigations are ongoing to establish the ownership and provenance of the recovered vehicles, identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged offences and determine the full extent of the suspected criminal network.

CP Ordue commended the VCRU operatives for what he described as their prompt and professional response, while reaffirming his commitment to intelligence-led operations and strategic surveillance against criminal syndicates.

The Commissioner warned individuals involved in the theft, receiving, concealment or sale of stolen vehicles that the Command would pursue credible leads and take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable.

He also urged motorcycle and tricycle owners and operators to promptly report cases of theft and provide credible information that could assist the police in recovering stolen property and dismantling criminal networks.

The Command cautioned members of the public against self-help, unlawful searches or harassment of individuals suspected of criminal activities.

It assured residents that efforts to tackle criminal syndicates across the state would continue with renewed vigour through proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing.