Police foil vandalism, recover ₦2m stolen machine

Etim Ekpimah

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected vandals and thieves in separate operations in Ikot Ekpene, recovering stolen property, including an industrial block-moulding machine worth about ₦2 million.

Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John said the first arrest followed a distress call from a vigilant resident on 19 July 2026, reporting ongoing vandalism at one of the buildings within Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.

“Police operatives responded swiftly and arrested 46-year-old Nsidibe Benson at the scene. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly specialised in vandalising and stealing aluminium window frames, electrical wires and cables.

“Items recovered from him included cut aluminium window frames and electrical cables. The suspect confessed to the offence during interrogation, while investigations continue,” John said.

In a separate operation, detectives investigating the theft of an industrial block-moulding machine vibrator from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site along the Calabar–Itu Road tracked down and arrested 23-year-old Emmanuel Etim.

John said, “The machine, valued at about ₦2 million, was recovered after the suspect was allegedly intercepted while attempting to sell it. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspected accomplices who remain at large.”

Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information that led to the successful operations.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.

The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police by promptly reporting suspicious activities within their communities.