The Cross River State Police Command has recovered a Lexus RX 330 allegedly stolen from a car wash in Enugu State and arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the incident.

The suspect, identified as Pius Aidan, was arrested in Ugep, headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area, following a police operation triggered by a distress report on Friday, November 6.

The black Lexus was reportedly stolen on Thursday, November 5, before its last known location was traced to Ugep.

Police spokesperson in Cross River State, Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed the development in a statement, explaining that the command received information about the stolen vehicle at approximately 3:55 a.m. on Friday.

Following the report, detectives attached to the Yakurr Divisional Police Headquarters commenced tracking and recovery operations.

The operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect at about 6:10 a.m. along Ikpi Street, Bikobiko, Ugep, barely two hours after the police received the report.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect confessed to involvement in the crime.

The recovered vehicle has been secured at the police station, while the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the theft and determine whether other individuals were involved.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Ordue, commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led policing and preventing criminals from using the state as a safe haven.

The latest recovery comes less than two weeks after police in neighbouring Anambra State recovered a Toyota Highlander allegedly stolen in the state and traced to Calabar, Cross River State.

The vehicle was recovered on October 16, following intelligence-led operations, while a suspect was arrested in connection with the incident.

The two cases have drawn attention to the movement of allegedly stolen vehicles across state boundaries and the importance of coordinated policing in tackling vehicle theft.