Police recover stolen vehicle, arrest suspect
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected vehicle thief and recovered a stolen minibus during an intelligence-led operation in Uyo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the suspect, Aniette Etim, 36, of Ifa Atai Village in Uyo Local Government Area, was arrested on 5 July 2026 at about 5:30 pm.
*Stolen vehicle
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected vehicle thief and recovered a stolen minibus during an intelligence-led operation in Uyo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the suspect, Aniette Etim, 36, of Ifa Atai Village in Uyo Local Government Area, was arrested on 5 July 2026 at about 5:30 pm.
According to the statement, operatives acted on credible intelligence and recovered a blue Daihatsu Hijet minibus with Number Plate KMK 625 ZT, which was allegedly stolen from its lawful owner.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, a commercial driver based in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, had been entrusted with the vehicle under a hire-purchase agreement.
Police alleged that he breached the agreement by absconding with the vehicle without the owner’s knowledge or consent before relocating it to Uyo with the intention of selling it.
Acting on intelligence, operatives intercepted the suspect before he could dispose of the vehicle, leading to his arrest and the recovery of the minibus.
The vehicle owner, identified as Mr Pele of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has been contacted, while the recovered vehicle has been secured as an exhibit. Police said investigations are ongoing to conclude the case and facilitate the return of the vehicle to its lawful owner in accordance with due process.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and commitment to duty.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, stating that criminal elements would find no refuge in Akwa Ibom State.
The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing the police with timely, credible and actionable information.
He assured the public that all information received would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.
The police command further assured residents that it remains proactive, professional and committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment across the state.
