The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial burglar and recovered photographic equipment valued at over N21 million in a major breakthrough against burglary in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday, saying the arrest followed a petition received on September 3, 2026 from a photo studio owner in the state.
According to the statement, the petitioner, one Aniekan, reported that his studio was burgled on August 24, 2026 after unknown persons gained access through the roof. Items stolen included Canon 6D Mark II, Nikon D850, Sony A7 Mark II cameras, AD200 and AD600 studio lights, Shaker studio light and memory cards valued at N13.14 million.
Acting on the complaint, operatives launched an intelligence-led investigation which led to the arrest of one Nicholas Olamide, a native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, residing in Eket, on September 7, 2026.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime and led detectives to two other suspects, Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak and Edward Francis of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo. Several of the stolen items were recovered from them alongside other property reasonably suspected to have been stolen.
In further disclosures, the principal suspect reportedly admitted involvement in two other burglary incidents within the state. He allegedly confessed to breaking into a photo studio at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo between July 28 and August 5, 2026.
Items stolen from the Aka Road studio were listed to include an Itel A80 phone, tripods, LED lights, Godox AD200 and AD600 lights, Godox speedlight and triggers, Sony A7 camera and 50mm lens, Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, bags, 700GB drive and chargers. Police estimated the value of that loot at about N8 million.
The suspect also allegedly admitted that on August 25, 2026, he burgled a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene LGA, and stole a Canon camera and lens belonging to one Richard.
Following the lead, operatives arrested another suspect identified as Wisdom Sunday of No. 166 Oron Road, Uyo. Some of the stolen items and other suspected stolen property were recovered from his residence.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Nicholas Olamide is a repeat offender who was released from a correctional facility in June 2026. The Command said investigations are ongoing to establish his involvement in other similar cases within and outside Akwa Ibom.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and urged business owners to strengthen security and report suspicious activities promptly.
The Police also called on members of the public who may have been victims of similar burglaries to come forward with information or documentation to aid identification and recovery of their property.
