Cross River Police Arrest Four in ₦49m Tech Firm Burglary

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a high-value burglary at a technology firm in Calabar. The operation, led by the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), follows the theft of electronics and cash totaling over ₦49 million.

According to police reports, the suspects—identified as 38-year-old Hassan Ahmad, 35-year-old Jabiru Ibrahim, 22-year-old Usman Garuba, and 23-year-old Abdullalim Hassan—targeted Royaline Technologies. The burglary took place on June 3 at the company's premises located at 49 Ettagbor Road, Calabar. The stolen inventory included 62 mobile phones of various models, along with speakers, earphones, and other accessories. In addition to the hardware, the suspects stole ₦529,000 in cash. ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the total estimated value of the stolen property is ₦49,150,715.

Tactical Coordination

The arrests were the result of a targeted crackdown on violent crime within the Calabar metropolis. The investigation required significant interstate coordination to secure all suspects. Specifically, Jabiru Ibrahim was traced to Kano State, where he was arrested on September 2. He was subsequently transported back to Calabar on September 3 to face charges.

Industry Implications

This case underscores the growing risk of targeted electronic thefts in Nigeria, where high-value tech hubs are increasingly viewed as lucrative targets for organized burglary gangs. The scale of the loss—nearly ₦50 million from a single location—highlights the vulnerability of retail technology businesses to coordinated attacks. Furthermore, the successful recovery of a suspect from Kano demonstrates the police's increasing ability to use interstate tracking to prevent suspects from escaping justice by fleeing the immediate jurisdiction of the crime.

Future Outlook

While four suspects are currently in custody, the police continue to monitor related criminal activity in the region. The VCRU has recently expanded its operations to include other forms of urban crime, including a simultaneous operation that apprehended two suspects involved in fuel thefts at filling stations near the University of Calabar. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the Royaline Technologies burglary is linked to other recent electronic thefts in the state, but the arrests are seen as a significant blow to local burglary networks.