By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Police Command has recovered a stolen vehicle, seized arms, and arrested two suspects in separate operations as part of its ongoing crackdown on crime across the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 14th September 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ugbo Irene, said operatives intercepted a Toyota Highlander Jeep snatched at gunpoint from a woman at Spring Road, Calabar, on 12 September.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 4:07 PM when the vehicle was forcefully taken from its owner.
A distress call was promptly made to the Command, prompting Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, to order a security lockdown across key routes.
At about 5:00 PM, men of the 11 PMF Calabar spotted the vehicle along Odukpani Road en route to Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects reportedly refused to stop when flagged down, leading to a high-speed chase. They eventually abandoned the jeep with registration number DKA-759-KY (Kaduna) and fled into a nearby bush.
One of the suspects, identified as 30-year-old Akaniyene Sunday Edem of Nkwot Nsit village, Nsit Ibiom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, was later apprehended, while others escaped.
In a separate operation on 13th September in Ugep, Yakurr LGA, police officers working with community members arrested 21-year-old Godswill Okoi of Ijima Street. He was allegedly linked to the Vikings confraternity.
Items recovered from him included a locally fabricated pistol, two BB cartridges, criminal charms, a black bag, and ₦7,000 cash.
Commending his officers for their swift response, CP Afegbua thanked members of the public for their cooperation and urged them to continue sharing credible information with law enforcement.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring peace and security for residents and visitors, noting Calabar’s reputation as a safe haven for tourists.
