Police nab two vandals in Cross River, recover stolen iron poles

Men from the Cross River State Police Command have caught two suspected vandals and recovered three stolen iron poles. These poles are believed to have been taken from Akamkpa Quarry Limited in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest happened on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, around 11:20 am. Operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit, Sector 2, Akamkpa/Ugep, made the arrest following reliable information.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, shared this news in a statement to journalists on Thursday in Calabar. He said the suspects, Kelvin Ignatius, 27, and Arnold Okon, 29, both from Obung Village in Akamkpa LGA, were caught at Nsang Junction during a routine patrol.

The statement said, "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 spokesman added that three long iron poles, suspected to have been stolen from the quarry, were recovered from the suspects. They allegedly admitted to stealing the poles and also confessed to stealing other company property like diesel, engine oil, and truck tyres.

"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 statement noted.

The command mentioned that an investigation is ongoing to find other stolen items and to identify and catch other members of the suspected vandalism group.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, praised the operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit for their quick action. He also directed that a thorough investigation continue to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.

Ordue urged the public to share reliable information about suspicious activities, especially around key infrastructure and industrial sites, to help prevent crime.

"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," he added.