Police say the suspect was apprehended while allegedly trying to dispose of the stolen equipment, which had been taken from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says its operatives have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly stealing an industrial block moulding machine vibrator valued at over N2 million.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday.
According to the statement, the suspect was arrested while allegedly attempting to dispose of the stolen equipment, which was taken from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site.
The police spokesperson said the machine has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who remain at large.
The statement read in part: “Police detectives, acting on a report of the theft of an industrial block moulding machine vibrator valued at approximately N2 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, while he was allegedly attempting to dispose of the stolen equipment.
“The stolen machine was successfully recovered, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other accomplices who are currently at large.”
In a separate operation, the command said its operatives arrested a 46-year-old man, Nsidibe Benson, for allegedly vandalising property belonging to Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.
According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended on July 19, 2026, following a distress call from a member of the public.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Benson allegedly specialised in vandalising and stealing louvres, aluminium window frames, electrical wires and cables.
The statement added:
“On 19th July, 2026, following a distress call from a vigilant member of the public, police operatives swiftly responded to a report of vandalism at one of the buildings within Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
“The suspect, Nsidibe Benson, aged 46, was arrested at the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect specialises in the vandalisation and theft of aluminium window frames, electrical wires and cables.
“Exhibits recovered from him include cut-to-size aluminium window frames and electrical cables. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, while investigation is ongoing to track down members of his gang.”
The statement further quoted the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, as commending members of the public for their vigilance and timely information, which contributed to the arrests.
Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring that criminal elements are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue supporting the police with timely and credible information on suspicious activities within their communities.
