July 8 (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have arrested a 36-year-old suspected vehicle thief and recovered a stolen mini bus in an intelligence-led operation, thwarting an alleged attempt to dispose of the vehicle.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the suspect, identified as Aniette Etim of Ifa Atai Village in Uyo Local Government Area, was arrested on July 5, 2026, following credible intelligence.
According to the statement, police recovered a blue Daihatsu Hijet Mini Bus with registration number KMK 625 ZT, which was allegedly stolen from its owner in Bayelsa State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, a commercial driver based in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, had been entrusted with the vehicle under a hire-purchase agreement. However, he allegedly violated the terms of the arrangement by absconding with the vehicle without the owner’s knowledge or consent before relocating it to Uyo, where he reportedly intended to sell it.
Police said operatives acted swiftly on actionable intelligence, intercepting the suspect before he could dispose of the vehicle.
The Command confirmed that the owner of the vehicle, identified as Mr Pele of Yenagoa, has been contacted, while the recovered vehicle has been secured as an exhibit pending the conclusion of investigations and its return to the rightful owner.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and vigilance, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said the operation underscored the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing.
He reiterated that the Police would sustain proactive operations to deny criminals safe haven in Akwa Ibom State.
Azare also appealed to residents to continue providing timely, credible and actionable information to security agencies, assuring them that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality.
“The Command remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice”, the Commissioner said.
The Police further reassured residents of their continued commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
