Operatives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended a 23-year-old individual, Emmanuel Etim, for reportedly stealing an industrial block moulding machine vibrator worth more than N2 million.
A declaration released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Thursday indicated that the suspect was apprehended while trying to get rid of the stolen items.
The statement reveals that the equipment stolen from the Ikot Ekpene International Market has been retrieved, and that initiatives are in progress to capture other gang members who remain at large.
The statement included, “Detectives, responding to a report regarding the theft of an industrial block moulding machine vibrator worth around N2 million from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site on Calabar–Itu Road, initiated a coordinated investigation that resulted in the arrest of 23-year-old Emmanuel Etim while he was reportedly trying to sell the stolen equipment.
“The recovered machine was successfully retrieved, as efforts are being escalated to capture other accomplices who remain at large.”
In a different development, the statement noted that personnel of the command also detained a 46-year-old individual, Nsidibe Benson, for supposedly damaging property owned by Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.
In a different development, the statement noted that personnel of the command also detained a 46-year-old individual, Nsidibe Benson, for supposedly damaging property owned by Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.
The statement indicates that the individual was apprehended on July 19, 2026, after receiving an emergency call from a citizen. It stated that initial inquiries showed that the suspect focused on damaging louvres, aluminum window frames, electrical wires, and cables.
It reported, “On July 19, 2026, after a distress signal from an alert citizen, law enforcement promptly acted on a report of vandalism at a building inAkwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
The individual, Nsidibe Benson, 46 years old, was apprehended at the location. Initial inquiries indicated that the suspect focuses on vandalizing and stealing aluminum window frames, electrical wiring, and cables.
Items retrieved from him consist of custom-sized aluminum window frames and electrical wires. In the course of questioning, the suspect admitted to the offense, while efforts are continuing to locate members of his crew.”
The statement noted that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, praised the alertness and prompt information from the public, which played a crucial role in the operational achievements.
He emphasized the command’s steadfast dedication to preserving public infrastructure, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that criminal elements are detected, apprehended, and held accountable.
The police commissioner also encouraged residents to stay aware of security and keep collaborating with the police by sharing prompt and reliable information regarding suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.
