By Kelvin Ololo And Sylvia Akpan
The Cross River State Police Command has dismantled a suspected burglary and stealing syndicate operating within Calabar metropolis, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of a large quantity of property believed to have been stolen from residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed to Journalists in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua.
According to the police, the suspects arrested are Effiong Ene, 27; Hope Linus, 18; Patrick Etim, 26; and Maurice Asuquo, 27.
ASP Sunday said the operation was carried out on June 4, 2026, by operatives of the Uwanse Police Division following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.
“On 4th June 2026 at about 1300hrs, operatives of the Uwanse Division, acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, arrested one Effiong Ene, a notorious burglar who has been terrorizing Calabar and its environs,” the police spokesperson stated.
The Command said that following the arrest, the suspect reportedly led investigators to the hideouts of other members of the alleged syndicate, resulting in the arrest of additional suspects and the recovery of numerous items suspected to be proceeds of burglary operations.
Recovered exhibits include several plasma televisions, laptops, decoders, DVD players, MP3 players, a tablet, projector, microwave oven, standing fans, a refrigerator, stabilizers, solar modulators, gas cylinders, POS machines and other household items.
Police also recovered tools allegedly used in carrying out burglary operations, including an iron bar, hammer, pliers, spanner, scissors, knife, damaged padlocks, master keys and cartons of nails.
According to the Command, the suspects are currently being held at the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) while investigations continue.
“The suspects are currently in custody at the Violent Crime Response Unit base, while investigations have been intensified to identify other fleeing members of the syndicate and trace rightful owners of the recovered property,” Akata said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as their professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating crime and safeguarding lives and property across Cross River State.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in ongoing crime-fighting efforts.
In another development, the Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old man, identified as Asu Ebolom, for unlawful possession of a firearm in Ikom Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was apprehended on June, 4th, 2026 during a routine patrol and surveillance operation by operatives of the Ikom Division around Atimaka Trailer Park, Ikom. The operatives intercepted the suspect who was subsequently identified as Asu Ebolom.
The Command spokesman said a search conducted on him led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol concealed in his possession.
Preliminary investigations are ongoing to ascertain the source of the firearm and determine whether it is linked to any criminal activities within or outside the area.
The police assured the public that further details would be made available as investigations progress.
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