By ABC News Nigeria
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial burglar and recovered photographic equipment and other valuables worth more than N21 million in a major breakthrough against burglary and stealing across the state.
The arrest followed a petition received by the Command on September 3, 2026, from a photographer identified as Aniekan, whose studio was reportedly broken into by unknown persons who gained entry through the roof.
The burglary, which was discovered on August 24, allegedly resulted in the removal of several expensive cameras, studio lights and other photographic accessories valued at about N13.14 million.
Among the items reported stolen were a Canon 6D Mark II camera, Nikon D850, Sony A7 Mark II, AD200 and AD600 studio lights, Shaker studio light and a box containing memory cards.
Acting on the complaint, police operatives launched a discreet, intelligence-driven investigation which led to the arrest on September 7 of Nicholas Olamide, a male indigene of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who resides in Eket, Akwa Ibom.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly made useful disclosures during interrogation and subsequently directed investigators to locations where other suspects and suspected stolen property were found.
His information reportedly led operatives to Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo, from whom several of the reported stolen items and other property suspected to have been stolen were recovered.
The investigation subsequently widened as police said Olamide allegedly linked himself to additional burglary incidents in Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom.
Investigators said he allegedly admitted that between July 28 and August 5, 2026, he broke into another photo studio at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo, making away with photographic equipment and accessories estimated at approximately N8 million.
The items reportedly included an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, LED lighting equipment, Godox AD200 and AD600 studio lights, a Godox speedlight, triggers, a Sony A7 camera, Sony 50mm lens, Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, make-up bag, equipment bags, a 700GB drive and chargers.
Police further said the suspect allegedly confessed to another incident on August 25, when he reportedly entered a photo studio at Aka Estate in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and stole a Canon camera and lens belonging to a man identified as Richard.
Acting on information obtained during the investigation, police operatives reportedly traced and arrested another suspect, Wisdom Sunday, of Oron Road, Uyo.
Some of the allegedly stolen property, alongside other items suspected to be proceeds of burglary, were recovered from the location, according to the Command.
The police said preliminary findings suggest that the principal suspect may have been involved in other similar offences, adding that he was reportedly released from a correctional facility in June 2026.
Investigators are now expanding the probe to determine whether the suspect and his associates may be connected to other unresolved cases of burglary and stealing within Akwa Ibom and possibly beyond.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the police operatives for their swift response, intelligence gathering and professional handling of the investigation.
Azare reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks, recover stolen property and ensure that suspects found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner also advised business owners, photographers and other operators whose businesses contain expensive equipment to strengthen security around their premises and remain alert to suspicious activities.
He urged residents to promptly provide the police with credible information about suspected criminal activities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in preventing and solving crimes.
The Command has equally appealed to victims of similar burglary and theft incidents to come forward with relevant documentation and information that could assist investigators in identifying suspects and recovering their property.
The suspects remain subject to investigation, while the police continue efforts to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal activities.
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