Law enforcement apprehend individual found hawking pilfered N2m concrete block maker in Akwa Ibom

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Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a 23-year-old man, Emmanuel Etim, for allegedly stealing an industrial block moulding machine vibrator valued at over N2m.

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A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Thursday said the suspect was arrested while attempting to dispose of the stolen property.

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According to the statement, the equipment, which was stolen from the Ikot Ekpene International Market, has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who are still at large.

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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.

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“The stolen machine was successfully recovered, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other accomplices who are currently at large.”

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In another development, the statement said operatives of the command also arrested a 46-year-old man, Nsidibe Benson, for allegedly vandalising property belonging to Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.

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According to the statement, the suspect was arrested on July 19, 2026, following a distress call from a member of the public. It added that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect specialised in vandalising louvres, aluminium window frames, electrical wires and cables.

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It stated, “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.

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“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.

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“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.”

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The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the vigilance and timely information provided by members of the public, which contributed significantly to the operational successes.

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He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting public infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring that criminal elements are identified, arrested and brought to justice.

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The police commissioner further urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue to partner with the police by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities within their communities.

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