In a swift operation on July 28, 2025, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command rounded up a suspect in connection with a series of local cable thefts. Acting on credible intelligence and a confession from a previously arrested individual, officers executed a raid at a known “black spot” on Aba Road in Ikot Ekpene. At approximately 3:45 PM, they recovered various pieces of vandalised property—including cut-to-size PHED (Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution) electric cables, peeled copper wires, and aluminium roofing sheets—from the premises of a building that had been abandoned and stripped. The primary suspect, Elijah Etim Nyah, a resident of Okonna Street, Ikot Ekpene, was arrested at the scene and taken into custody as investigations continue .
A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed that the recovered items were likely part of an elaborate vandalism scheme targeting the Chambers of Commerce building on Etokebe Street in Ikot Ekpene. Subsequent searches traced the stolen goods back to a shop on Aba Road, where Nyah was found in possession of the materials. The items—which are believed to have been stolen and vandalised—were seized for evidence as inquiries proceed. Once investigations conclude, the suspect will be formally charged in court .
This arrest underscores the police’s resolve to curtail infrastructure vandalism, which has plagued Akwa Ibom’s public facilities. DSP John stated that the operation was a result of careful coordination between intelligence gathering and swift field action—reflecting the command’s growing effectiveness in tackling such crimes.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, as community cooperation remains integral to detecting and dismantling criminal networks. There were additional assurances that prosecution will follow once investigations are finalised, demonstrating the command’s commitment to legal processes and public safety .
Looking ahead, police say they are closing in on other accomplices connected to the case. As the probe goes deeper, officials hope to unravel the broader network behind the theft and arrest others involved in the vandalism of vital public infrastructure.
