The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected vandals allegedly involved in the looting of goods from an accidented truck along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday in Uyo.
She said the suspects were apprehended after operatives responded to credible intelligence provided by a tricycle operator who reported criminal activity at the scene of the accident.
According to her, the suspects were caught while vandalising the truck and stealing its contents.
“At about 22:00 hours on Sunday, operatives of the command received credible intelligence through a tricycle operator regarding the activities of criminal elements who were vandalising a truck,” she said.
John explained that police officers quickly mobilised to the location, where one suspect was arrested in possession of four suspected stolen truck tyres.
Further investigation, she added, led to the arrest of the tricycle operator who was allegedly used to transport the stolen items from the scene.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices connected to the criminal act,” she stated.
The police spokesperson quoted the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, as warning criminal elements against exploiting accident scenes to carry out vandalism, looting, or theft.
Azare also assured residents that the command would continue to intensify surveillance and deploy intelligence-led policing strategies to safeguard lives and property across the state.
“The command appreciates members of the public who continue to provide timely and credible information to the police,” he said.
“We also encourage residents to remain law-abiding and security conscious at all times.”
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all suspects linked to the incident are arrested and prosecuted.
