Cross River Police Nab Two Suspects, Recover Stolen Quarry Items

Operatives from the Cross River State Police Command have successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of vandalism and retrieved three iron poles believed to have been stolen from Akamkpa Quarry Limited, situated within the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

This arrest occurred on Wednesday around 11:20 AM, executed by the Violent Crime Response Unit, Sector 2, Akamkpa/Ugep, acting on reliable intelligence. ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, confirmed these developments to journalists in Calabar on Thursday. He identified the suspects as Kelvin Ignatius, 27, and Arnold Okon, 29, both residents of Obung Village in Akamkpa LGA. They were reportedly caught near Nsang Junction during a routine police patrol.

According to the official statement, “The Cross River State Police Command, through the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2, Akamkpa/Ugep, has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged vandalism and theft of facilities belonging to Akamkpa Quarry Limited (Sterling Global) in Akamkpa LGA.”

The police spokesperson further elaborated that three lengthy iron poles, believed to be stolen from the quarry, were recovered from the apprehended individuals. It was stated that the suspects purportedly confessed to the theft of these items and admitted their participation in stealing other company assets, such as diesel, engine oil, and truck tyres. The statement reiterated, “Three long iron poles, suspected to have been stolen from the quarry, were recovered from the suspects. During preliminary questioning, they allegedly admitted stealing the items and disclosed their alleged involvement in the theft of other company property, including diesel, engine oil and truck tyres.”

The Command confirmed that investigations are currently underway to locate and retrieve additional stolen property, as well as to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the alleged vandalism network. In his comments, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, lauded the swift actions of the Violent Crime Response Unit operatives. He further instructed that a comprehensive investigation be maintained to guarantee that all responsible parties face legal consequences.

Ordue also appealed to the public to supply reliable intelligence concerning any suspicious activities, particularly those observed near vital infrastructure and industrial sites, to bolster crime prevention initiatives. He concluded by advising, “Members of the public are advised to continue providing credible information on suspicious activities, particularly around critical infrastructure and industrial facilities, to support crime prevention and the protection of property.”