By Solomon OKPO
In a major breakthrough against criminal activity, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a vandalism syndicate and recovered a haul of stolen items following a swift operation in Uyo, the state capital.
According to a press release issued Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest followed credible intelligence about an ongoing act of vandalism on Ndiya Street, off Aka Road, at about 11:46am on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Operatives promptly mobilized to the scene, where two suspects fled upon sighting the police. One of them, identified as Inem Essien Jimmy, a native of Nung Ayai family in Aka Offot Village, was apprehended after a brief chase.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, Uduak Abasi Ekere from Ikot Itina village in Etinan Local Government Area, at about 3:40pm on the same day at Ebiare Afiat Lane, also off Aka Road. During interrogation, Ekere confessed that a man known only as Michael, who is believed to be the syndicate’s buyer of stolen goods, routinely collects items from them. Michael is currently at large, and police efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
A search of the area yielded a significant cache of stolen property, including:
Two large oxygen gas cylinders
One SUMEC Fireman 3000 generator
One Fireman 1800 generator
One 12.5kg gas cylinder
One 4kg gas cylinder
One complete mechanic toolbox
Two wheelbarrows
One aluminium car wheel
One metal Coca-Cola stand
One tile cutter
One solar light panel
Assorted offcuts of aluminium profiles
Various sizes of copper and aluminium electric cables
Six lengths of iron rods
One Haojue tricycle tailboard
One sack of mechanic spanners
Two car jacks
One portrait photograph
The Command stated that the suspects will be charged to court, while investigations continue to arrest other fleeing members and dismantle the network.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the swift response of the officers involved and urged residents of the state to remain vigilant. He also reiterated the need for sustained cooperation between the public and security agencies by providing timely and actionable information.
“The Command remains resolute in its mission to rid Akwa Ibom of criminal elements. We count on the partnership of the public to keep our communities safe,” the statement read.
