Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a 23-year-old man allegedly caught attempting to sell a stolen industrial block moulding machine valued at more than ₦2 million, while a separate operation led to the arrest of another suspect accused of vandalising facilities at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, describing the operations as part of ongoing efforts to combat property-related crimes across the state.
According to the police, detectives launched an investigation after receiving a report that an industrial block moulding machine vibrator had been stolen from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site along the Calabar–Itu Road.
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The investigation led officers to Emmanuel Etim, 23, who was allegedly arrested while attempting to dispose of the stolen equipment.
Police said the machine, valued at about ₦2 million, was successfully recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang.
In another operation, officers arrested 46-year-old Nsidibe Benson over the alleged vandalisation of buildings at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Osurua.
The suspect was apprehended on July 19 after police responded to a distress call from a vigilant resident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that he allegedly specialised in stealing aluminium window frames, louvre blades, electrical wires and cables from public buildings.
Police recovered cut-to-size aluminium window frames and electrical cables from the suspect. Investigators said he allegedly confessed during interrogation, while efforts have intensified to identify and arrest other members of the suspected vandalism syndicate.
Commending the public for providing timely information, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring criminal suspects are brought to justice.
He also encouraged residents to remain security-conscious and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible and timely intelligence on suspicious activities.
