The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two men in separate operations linked to the theft of a block moulding machine and the vandalism of public property.
The first suspect, 23-year-old Emmanuel Etim, was arrested for allegedly stealing an industrial block moulding machine vibrator valued at over N2 million. Police said he was intercepted while allegedly trying to sell the equipment, which had been stolen from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site. The machine has since been recovered, while detectives are searching for other suspects believed to be connected to the theft.
Speaking on the operation, the command said, **“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 another operation, officers arrested 46-year-old Nsidibe Benson for allegedly vandalising facilities at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
Police said the arrest followed a tip-off from a member of the public on July 19. Items reportedly recovered from the suspect included aluminium window frames that had been cut into pieces and electrical cables. Investigators also alleged that he was part of a group involved in stealing building materials and electrical fittings.
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 Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, praised residents for providing useful information that helped officers make the arrests. He also urged the public to remain alert and continue reporting suspicious activities, assuring that the command would sustain efforts to protect lives, property and public infrastructure.
