By Our Correspondent
National News – Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested two suspected vandals accused of stealing items from a truck involved in an accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway in Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects were apprehended after police received intelligence about criminal activities around the accident scene in the Afaha community.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday that the arrests followed a swift response by officers on patrol after reports emerged that some individuals were looting valuables from the fallen truck.
According to the statement, the truck had plunged into a valley along the busy highway before the suspects allegedly moved in to cart away items.
One of the suspects, identified as 19-year-old Adamu Hamza from Maiduguri, Borno State, was reportedly caught with four truck tyres suspected to have been stolen from the accident scene.
Police investigations later led to the arrest of Anthony James, a tricycle operator accused of helping to transport the stolen items away from the area.
The command said the operation took place on the night of May 10, 2026, at about 10 pm, following credible intelligence from concerned residents.
Authorities added that the value of the recovered tyres had yet to be determined as investigations continue into the case.
DSP John explained that both suspects are currently in police custody while efforts are ongoing to track down other accomplices who reportedly escaped before security operatives arrived at the scene.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned residents against looting accident scenes or engaging in vandalism.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and improved surveillance to protect lives and property across the state.
Police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that could help security agencies tackle crime effectively.
