The Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested two suspects involved in vandalism and theft in separate operations in Ikot Ekpene.
DSP Timfon John, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), announced this on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in a press release made available to the media on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to DSP John, police operatives, following a distress call from a vigilant member of the public on July 19, 2026, swiftly responded to a report of vandalism at one of the buildings within the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene LGA.
During the swoop, a suspect, Nsidibe Benson, aged 46, was arrested at the scene, and preliminary investigation revealed that he specialises in vandalism and the theft of aluminium window frames, electrical wires, and cables.
The Police recovered from him exhibits, including cut-to-size aluminium window frames and electrical cables.
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The PPRO said during interrogation, the said suspect, Nsidibe Benson, confessed to the crime, adding that investigation is ongoing on the matter.
In another operation, Police detectives, acting on a report of the theft of an industrial block moulding machine vibrator valued at approximately ₦2 million from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site, along Calabar–Itu Road, launched a coordinated investigation which led to the arrest of Emmanuel Etim, aged 23 years, while he was allegedly attempting to dispose of the stolen equipment.
The Police successfully recovered the stolen machine as efforts are being intensified to apprehend other accomplices who are currently at large.
In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, commends the vigilance and timely information provided by members of the public, which contributed significantly to the operational successes in the two incidents.
CP Azare reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting public infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring that criminal elements are identified, arrested, and brought to justice.
He urged residents to remain security conscious and continue partnering with the Police by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities within their communities.
