Cross River Police arrest five in vehicle theft syndicate crackdown

The Cross River State Police Command has dismantled a vehicle theft syndicate, resulting in the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of five vehicles. The operation was conducted by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following intelligence regarding a network operating between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

Investigators allege the syndicate stole motorcycles and tricycles in Akwa Ibom before transferring them to receivers in Cross River for resale. The first suspect, Effiong Archibong Sunday, was apprehended with a motorcycle. Subsequent operations led to the arrest of four additional individuals: Archibong Archibong Nsa, Okon Eyo Nsa, Essien Ukpong, and Nsa Essien Eyo.

Police recovered three tricycles and two motorcycles during searches of locations linked to the suspects. Investigations are ongoing to verify ownership and identify further connections to the network.