CROSS RIVER POLICE ARREST FOUR MORE SUSPECTS, RECOVER IRON MATERIALS IN AKAMKPA VANDALISM CRACKDOWN


By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged vandalism and theft of facilities belonging to Akamkpa Quarry Limited (Sterling Global).

The latest arrests followed the arrest of other suspects and the recovery of exhibits announced by the Command on August 27, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command said the latest arrests were made on August 28, 2026, at Obung Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

According to the statement, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2, Akamkpa/Ugep, responded to a distress call from the Village Head of Obung Community, HRH Ntufam Elijah Clement Effiong, who reported that another group of suspected members of the syndicate was being pursued by youths in the community.

The operatives promptly mobilised to the area and arrested four suspects identified as Michael Ochuche, 20; Elvis Enor Friday, 20; Theophilus Francis, 26; and Charles Vincent Etta, 23.

The Police said two long iron poles and six iron reinforcement baskets were recovered from the suspects.

The Command described the arrests as another breakthrough in its efforts to dismantle the network allegedly involved in the vandalism and theft of critical facilities in the area.

“Investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other persons connected to the alleged syndicate,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, commended the VCRU operatives for their prompt response and the leadership of Obung Community for providing timely information.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and strengthened collaboration with communities and other stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure.

The CP assured members of the public that the Command would continue to pursue all leads and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues.

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