The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully apprehended suspected vandals involved in the looting of a truck following an accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
The arrests were made on Sunday after the vehicle plunged into a valley near the Afaha community.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspects were caught in the act of stripping the incapacitated vehicle of its parts and cargo.
The breakthrough came after police operatives received credible intelligence regarding criminal activities at the crash site.
Upon mobilizing to the scene at approximately 10:00 PM, officers arrested 19-year-old Adamu Hamza, a native of Maiduguri, Borno State. At the time of his arrest, Hamza was reportedly found in possession of four truck tyres suspected to have been stolen from the wreckage.
Following the initial arrest, a strategic follow-up operation led to the apprehension of Anthony James, a tricycle operator.
Investigators allege that James provided the logistics for the crime, using his tricycle to convey the stolen items away from the valley.
Both suspects are currently in police custody as authorities work to determine the total value of the recovered goods and identify further links to the theft.
DSP Timfon John confirmed that the Command is still on the hunt for other fleeing accomplices who managed to escape during the raid.
She emphasized that the police are utilizing intelligence-driven strategies to track down every individual involved in the exploitation of the accident scene, reassuring the public that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice.
In response to the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, issued a stern warning to criminal elements against the “inhumane” practice of looting accident victims.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the CP urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue to provide timely information to help maintain law and order across Akwa Ibom State.
