Police arrest four more suspected vandals, recover iron poles in Cross River

The Cross River State Police Command has apprehended four additional suspects and recovered iron materials in connection with the alleged vandalism and theft at Akamkpa Quarry Limited, also known as Sterling Global. This latest development was announced by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

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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), following the arrest of other suspects and recovery of exhibits announced by the Command on 27 August 2026.

The arrests occurred on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in the Obung Community of Akamkpa Local Government Area. Operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) made the arrests after receiving a distress call from the Village Head of Obung Community, HRH Ntufam Elijah Clement Effiong. He alerted the police that youths were pursuing individuals suspected of belonging to a vandalism syndicate.

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Responding promptly, the operatives moved to the area and arrested Michael Ochuche, male, 20 years; Elvis Enor Friday, male, 20 years; Theophilus Francis, male, 26 years; and Charles Vincent Etta, male, 23 years. Two long iron poles and six iron reinforcement baskets were recovered.

This operation builds upon earlier arrests made on August 27, when Kelvin Ignatius and Arnold Okon were taken into custody. The police statement confirmed that the latest arrests are part of an ongoing investigation to dismantle the network involved in vandalizing and stealing critical facilities in the area. Two long iron poles and six iron reinforcement baskets were recovered during the recent operation.

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The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, commended the VCRU operatives for their prompt response and the Obung Community leadership for providing timely information.

Commissioner of Police Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue praised the VCRU operatives for their swift response and the Obung Community leadership for providing timely information. He reaffirmed the command's dedication to intelligence-led policing and collaborative efforts with communities to safeguard vital infrastructure. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to identify all involved parties and determine the full extent of their involvement.

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