The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Aniette Etim, for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Ifa Atai village, Uyo Local Government Area, during an intelligence-led operation.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Timfon John, the command’s spokesperson, who said the stolen vehicle was recovered in a well-coordinated intelligence operation.

“On 5th July, 2026, at about 1730hrs, operatives of the command, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, arrested one Aniette Etim, male, aged 36 years, of Ifa Atai village, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State,” Ms John said.

She added that one blue Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number KMK 625 ZT was recovered, believed to have been unlawfully taken from its rightful owner.

Ms John stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, a commercial driver based in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was entrusted with the vehicle under a hire-purchase arrangement.

“In breach of the agreement, he allegedly absconded with the vehicle without the knowledge or consent of the owner and relocated it to Uyo with the intention of disposing of it,” she said.

According to her, acting swiftly on intelligence, operatives intercepted the suspect before he could carry out his criminal plan, leading to the successful recovery of the vehicle.

“The owner of the vehicle, identified as one Mr Pele of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has been contacted, while the recovered vehicle has been secured as an exhibit,” she said.

The spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing to facilitate the prompt return of the vehicle to its lawful owner in accordance with due process.