The Cross River State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the alleged theft and resale of motorcycles and tricycles, recovering five vehicles during the operation.
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, Calabar, reportedly acted on intelligence about a suspected syndicate involved in stealing vehicles from Akwa Ibom State and moving them into Cross River for resale.
One of the suspects, 28-year-old Effiong Archibong Sunday, was arrested at about 2 p.m. on August 31, while a motorcycle was recovered from him.
Police said preliminary investigations provided further leads, including information about other individuals allegedly linked to the syndicate and the movement of stolen motorcycles and tricycles across state lines.
A follow-up operation carried out at about 3 a.m. on September 1 led to the arrest of four additional suspects identified as Archibong Archibong Nsa, 36; Okon Eyo Nsa, 75; Essien Ukpong, 60; and Nsa Essien Eyo, 24.
Searches conducted at locations connected to the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of three tricycles and another motorcycle. The total number of recovered vehicles was five, comprising three tricycles and two motorcycles.
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Police spokesperson ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata said investigations were ongoing to determine the ownership and origin of the recovered vehicles and identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged offences.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, urged vehicle owners to promptly report cases of theft and provide useful information to security agencies.
The police also reminded members of the public that the suspects remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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