Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested two suspected vandals allegedly involved in looting items from a truck involved in an accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
The command disclosed on Monday that the suspects were apprehended during an operation carried out at Afaha community after intelligence reports revealed that some individuals were carting away valuables from the crashed vehicle.
In a statement issued in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the police said one of the suspects, identified as 19-year-old Adamu Hamza from Maiduguri, Borno State, was arrested at the scene with four suspected stolen truck tyres in his possession.
The statement added that a follow-up operation led to the arrest of a tricycle operator, Anthony James, who was allegedly engaged in transporting the stolen items from the accident scene.
According to the police, officers swiftly mobilised to the area around 10pm on May 10 after receiving credible intelligence concerning activities of suspected vandals operating around the truck, which reportedly plunged into a valley along the highway.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the arrest of suspected vandals involved in the looting and theft of items from an accidented truck along the Calabar–Itu Highway,” the statement partly read.
The command noted that both suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to track down other accomplices said to have fled the scene.
DSP John stated that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, had warned residents and criminal elements against taking advantage of accident scenes to engage in looting and vandalism.
She reaffirmed the command’s determination to intensify surveillance and intelligence-led policing strategies aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
The police spokesperson also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with useful and timely information capable of preventing crime.