Cross River Police: Akamkpa Quarry Vandals Apprehended

• The Cross River State Police Command arrested Kelvin Ignatius, 27, and Arnold Okon, 29, for alleged vandalism and theft at Akamkpa Quarry Limited on August 25, 2026.
• Three stolen iron poles from the quarry were recovered by the Violent Crime Response Unit.
• The suspects reportedly admitted to stealing the poles and confessed to involvement in the theft of other company property, including diesel, engine oil, and truck tyres.
• An ongoing investigation aims to recover additional stolen items and identify other members of the suspected vandalism network.
• The State Commissioner of Police commended the prompt response and urged public cooperation in protecting critical industrial facilities.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of Cross River industrial facility vandalism.

The Cross River State Police Command recently announced the apprehension of two individuals suspected of vandalizing and stealing from Akamkpa Quarry Limited, an industrial facility operating in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state. The arrests, which highlight ongoing efforts by Cross River police to combat industrial facility vandalism, took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, around 11:20 AM. Operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), specifically Sector 2, Akamkpa/Ugep, conducted the operation following the receipt of credible intelligence.

During a routine patrol near Nsang Junction, law enforcement officers successfully detained the two suspects. They were identified as Kelvin Ignatius, 27, and Arnold Okon, 29, both residents of Obung Village within Akamkpa LGA. The police recovered three long iron poles, which are believed to have been stolen directly from Akamkpa Quarry Limited, also known as Sterling Global.

ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the State Police Public Relations Officer, formally disclosed these details to journalists on Thursday in Calabar. The successful Akamkpa Quarry Limited theft arrest underscores the commitment of the Cross River State Police Command to addressing criminal activities targeting local businesses and infrastructure.

Following their apprehension, the suspects, Kelvin Ignatius and Arnold Okon, reportedly admitted to their involvement in the theft of the recovered iron poles. Furthermore, during preliminary questioning, they confessed to having participated in the theft of other valuable property belonging to Akamkpa Quarry Limited. This broader confession included the pilfering of essential operational supplies such as diesel, engine oil, and even truck tyres.

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. The primary objectives of this ongoing inquiry are to locate and recover any additional stolen property and to identify and apprehend other individuals who may be part of this suspected vandalism and theft network. The scope of the admitted thefts suggests a more extensive pattern of criminal activity targeting the industrial facility.

In response to the arrests, CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, the State Commissioner of Police, issued a commendation to the Violent Crime Response Unit operatives for their swift and effective action. He further directed that the thorough investigation be sustained to ensure that all culprits involved in the Akamkpa Quarry Limited theft are brought to justice. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of Cross River industrial facility vandalism.

Commissioner Ordue also issued a public appeal, urging residents to continue providing credible information regarding suspicious activities, particularly those occurring around critical infrastructure and industrial facilities. This call for public cooperation is vital for supporting crime prevention efforts and enhancing Nigeria critical infrastructure protection. The police emphasize that community vigilance plays a crucial role in safeguarding property and maintaining security for businesses operating within the state.

This incident highlights the persistent threat of vandalism and theft to industrial facilities in Nigeria, particularly in Cross River. Compliance officers and legal counsel for companies operating critical infrastructure should review their security protocols and consider proactive engagement with local law enforcement to mitigate such risks and support crime prevention efforts.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH