Police In A’Ibom Apprehend Suspected Serial Burglar, Recover Photographic Equipment Valued At N21m

Nelson Utip

Not relenting in their effort to rid the state of all forms of criminality and criminal elements, operatives of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have recorded another success story, they have arrested one Nicolas Olamide, a native of Ile-Ife in Osun State in Eket for burglary of a Photographic Shop.

This was disclosed in a Release issued by The Spokesperson of The Command, DSP Timfom John on behalf of the Police Commissioner, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, psc, in Uyo on Thursday and made available to The Matrix Newspaper.

The Release stated that one Aniekan had reported a case of burglary of his Photography shop, the Police sprang into action and arrested The culprit during an  intelligence based operation. Equipment valued at about N21m was recovered from him.

“ The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat burglary, stealing and other forms of criminality across the State, following the arrest of a suspected serial burglar and the recovery of a substantial quantity of stolen property, including high-value photographic equipment.

The breakthrough followed a written petition received on 3rd September 2026 from one Aniekan, who reported that his photo studio had been burgled by unknown persons who gained access through the roof.

The incident was discovered on 24th August 2026, and several valuable items were reportedly carted away. The stolen property included a Canon 6D Mark II camera, Nikon D850 camera, Sony A7 Mark II camera, AD200 studio light, AD600 studio light, Shaker studio light and a box of memory cards, with the total value estimated at N13,140,000.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, Police operatives commenced discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up, which culminated in the arrest, on 7th September 2026, of one Nicholas Olamide, ‘M’, a native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who resides in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the reported burglary and subsequently led investigators to the locations of other suspects and suspected stolen property.

His disclosures led the operatives to Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis, ‘M’, of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo, where several of the stolen items, alongside other articles reasonably suspected to have been stolen, were recovered.

In a further development arising from sustained interrogation and follow-up investigation, the principal suspect allegedly disclosed his involvement in additional burglary and stealing incidents within Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom State.

According to the ongoing investigation, the suspect allegedly admitted that between 28th July and 5th August 2026, he burgled a photo studio located at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo and stole various photographic equipment and accessories.

Items reportedly stolen from the studio include an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, LED light tripod, bracket, Godox AD200 and AD600 studio lights, Godox speedlight, Godox triggers, Sony A7 camera, Sony 50mm lens, Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, make-up bag, AD600 bag, speedlight bag, 700GB drive and AD600 chargers, with the estimated value of the stolen property put at approximately N8 million.

The suspect further allegedly confessed that on 25th August 2026, he entered a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and stole a Canon camera and lens belonging to one Richard.

Following the information provided, operatives  traced and arrested another suspect, identified as Wisdom  Sunday, ‘M’, of No. 166 Oron Road, Uyo. Some of the stolen items, as well as other property reasonably suspected to be stolen, were recovered from the location.

Preliminary investigation further indicates that the principal suspect is allegedly a repeat offender who was recently released from the correctional facility in June 2026. Investigators are currently working to establish his possible involvement in other similar burglary and stealing cases within and outside the State.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their swift response, intelligence gathering and professional handling of the investigation.

The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, recovering stolen property and ensuring that perpetrators of burglary, stealing and other forms of criminality are brought to justice.

He particularly urged members of the public, especially owners of businesses and valuables, to remain vigilant, strengthen the security of their premises and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the Police.

The Command also calls on members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar burglary or theft incidents to come forward with relevant information or documentation that may assist investigators in identifying and recovering their property.” The Release read.