By Solomon Okpo
In a fresh breakthrough in the ongoing clampdown on criminal elements in Akwa Ibom State, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a stolen vehicle believed to have been snatched at gunpoint in Aba, Abia State.
According to a press release signed by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Tony John Isaac, was apprehended around 7:00am on Monday, June 27, 2025, along Obio Imoh Street by Udoumana Traffic Light in Uyo. He was found in possession of a blue Toyota Camry with registration number JJJ 412 GX.
Police officers acting on credible intelligence intercepted the suspect, who failed to produce any proof of ownership or documents linking him to the vehicle. He claimed to have purchased the car from an unidentified individual in Aba but could neither provide a name nor contact information of the alleged seller.
Investigations later revealed that the vehicle had been stolen during a violent robbery in Aba on February 28, 2025, around 8:40pm. The 48-year-old victim, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, was dispossessed of the car and other personal belongings at gunpoint along Osusu Road by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
Through coordinated efforts between the Akwa Ibom and Abia State Police Commands, the rightful owner was located and invited to the state headquarters in Uyo, where he positively identified the car and presented original documents as proof of ownership.
The owner, visibly relieved, lauded the Nigeria Police for their professionalism and swift recovery of his vehicle.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing and robust inter-agency collaboration in its efforts to rid the state of criminal activities.
