The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dealt another blow to property crime with the arrest of two suspected thieves in separate intelligence-led operations that led to the recovery of stolen items, including an industrial machine valued at about ₦2 million.
In the first operation, police operatives swooped on a suspected vandal following a distress call from a vigilant resident reporting the ongoing destruction of a building within Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
The suspect, Nsidibe Benson, 46, was arrested at the scene with cut aluminium window frames and electrical cables allegedly removed from the facility. Preliminary investigations identified him as a suspected serial vandal who allegedly targeted public buildings, stripping them of aluminium fittings, electrical wires and cables for resale.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation, while investigators continue efforts to uncover the full scope of his alleged activities and possible accomplices.
In a separate breakthrough, detectives cracked the theft of an industrial block-moulding machine vibrator stolen from the Ikot Ekpene International Market construction site along the Calabar–Itu Road.
The operation led to the arrest of 23-year-old Emmanuel Etim, who was allegedly intercepted while attempting to sell the equipment valued at approximately ₦2 million. The stolen machine was recovered intact, while police have launched a manhunt for other members of the suspected syndicate still on the run.
Commending the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, credited the arrests to prompt intelligence supplied by vigilant members of the public, describing community partnership as a vital weapon in the fight against crime.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect public infrastructure, safeguard lives and property, and ensure that criminals have no safe haven in Akwa Ibom State.
The Command also appealed to residents to remain alert and continue providing credible information on suspicious activities, assuring that every useful tip would receive swift operational response.
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