A cross-border syndicate that allegedly specialized in stealing motorcycles and tricycles from Akwa Ibom and selling them in Cross River has been busted by the Cross River State Police Command.

In an intelligence-led operation carried out 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 be stolen.

The arrests followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Geoffrey Ordue, after credible intelligence linked the group to the theft and distribution of commercial bikes and tricycles across state lines.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the first suspect, Effiong Archibong Sunday, 28, was picked up on August 31 at about 2:00 p.m. in Calabar with one motorcycle.

During interrogation, he allegedly led police to a wider network, mentioning one “Elewe” as the person stealing the vehicles in Akwa Ibom and one “Efefiong” in Cross River who allegedly received and sold them. Police said the claims are still being investigated.

Acting on the lead, VCRU operatives launched a follow-up raid at about 3:00 a.m. on September 1 and arrested four more 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 led to the recovery of three tricycles and one motorcycle. With the earlier recovery, the total haul from the operation stands at five vehicles: three tricycles and two motorcycles.

CP Ordue commended the VCRU team for what he described as a prompt and professional operation. He said the Command was shifting focus to intelligence-led policing to dismantle criminal networks rather than chase isolated cases.

He issued a strong warning to those who buy and resell 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 also appealed to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to report cases of theft promptly and provide information that could aid recovery. He cautioned members of the public against “self-help, unlawful searches, or harassment” of persons suspected of crime.

“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 origin back to Akwa Ibom.

The suspects are currently in custody and are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.