Police recover stolen vehicle, arrest two suspects

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered a stolen mini-truck and arrested two suspects over alleged vehicle theft and the unlawful receipt of stolen property.

The arrests followed a swift intelligence-led operation launched by police operatives acting on credible intelligence.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the operation led to the arrest of 27-year-old Isaac Akpan of Akwebom Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area.

During interrogation, Akpan allegedly confessed to stealing a white Daihatsu Hijet mini-truck loaded with bags of sachet water from the factory where he worked in Agbor South, Delta State.

Police said the suspect disclosed that after selling the entire consignment of sachet water, he used the proceeds to buy fuel and drove the stolen vehicle to Akwa Ibom State, where he sold it.

Further investigations led operatives to 45-year-old Aloysius Aniekan of Agric Road, Ikot Ekpene, who was found in possession of the vehicle.

According to the police, Aniekan had allegedly re-registered the mini-truck with a new number plate in an apparent attempt to conceal its identity. He was subsequently arrested for allegedly receiving stolen property.

The stolen white Daihatsu Hijet mini-truck has been recovered and is in police custody as an exhibit.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism, diligence and prompt response, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the protection of lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.

He assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that anyone found connected to the crime would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, stressing that community partnership remains essential to combating crime and improving public safety.