Cross River Police Recover Snatched SUV in Calabar, Arrest Suspects and Seize Locally Made Pistol in Ugep

 

Commissioner of Police CP Rashid Bello Afegbua

By Oluchi Omai | September 14, 2025

The Cross River State Police Command has recorded two major breakthroughs in its ongoing crime-fighting operations, intercepting a snatched vehicle in Calabar and recovering a locally made pistol with cartridges in Ugep, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ugbo Irene, the first incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on September 12, 2025, when officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander Jeep that had been stolen at gunpoint earlier that day. The vehicle, belonging to Mrs. Wofi Eshiet Joshua of 16A Azikima Street, Spring Road, Calabar, was taken from her at around 4:07 p.m.

Following a distress call, Commissioner of Police CP Rashid Bello Afegbua ordered an immediate lockdown. Officers from 11 PMF Calabar, stationed along Odukpani Road, flagged down the suspected stolen SUV as it headed towards Akwa Ibom State. The suspects refused to stop, prompting a hot pursuit. They eventually abandoned the vehicle, with registration number Kaduna DKA-759-KY, and fled into nearby bushes. One suspect, identified as 30-year-old Akaniyene Sunday Edem from Nkwot Nsit village in Nsit Ibiom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, was later apprehended, while others escaped.

Snatched SUV

Locally Made Pistol

In a separate operation on September 13, 2025, at about 5:40 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer in Ugep, Yakurr LGA, working with community members, arrested 21-year-old Godswill Okoi of Ijima Street. He is suspected of being a member of the Vikings Confraternity. Items recovered from him include a locally fabricated pistol, two BB cartridges, criminal charms, a black bag, and ₦7,000 in cash.

Commending his officers for their swift action, CP Afegbua praised members of the public for their cooperation and urged them to continue providing credible information to the police. “Together, we can make Cross River a more peaceful home for both indigenes and tourists who see Calabar as a home away from home,” he said.