The Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested a suspected serial burglar. They recovered photographic equipment and other valuables worth over N21 million that were reportedly stolen from photo studios in the state.
The police said they made the arrest after receiving a petition on September 3, 2026. The petition was from a man named Aniekan. He reported that someone had broken into his photo studio through the roof.
Police shared this update in a statement on Thursday, released by their Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John. They noted, "The incident was discovered on August 24, 2026, and several valuable items were reportedly taken."
The stolen items included a Canon 6D Mark II camera, a Nikon D850 camera, a Sony A7 Mark II camera, AD200 studio light, AD600 studio light, Shaker studio light, and a box of memory cards, with a total value estimated at N13.14 million.
The police said, "After receiving the complaint, our operatives began a discreet investigation. This led to the arrest on September 7, 2026, of Nicholas Olamide, a male from Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who lives in Eket, Akwa Ibom State."
During questioning, Olamide "allegedly confessed to his role in the burglary and directed investigators to other suspects and stolen items." His information led to the arrests of Abasiakan Ikpembe from Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis from Afaha Ube Street, Uyo. Many stolen items and other things suspected to be stolen were recovered.
The police added that further questioning showed Olamide's involvement in other burglary cases in the state. Olamide reportedly admitted that between July 28 and August 5, 2026, he broke into a photo studio at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo. He stole various photographic equipment and accessories worth about N8 million.
The items taken included an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, LED light tripod, bracket, Godox AD200 and AD600 studio lights, Godox speedlight, Godox triggers, a Sony A7 camera, a Sony 50mm lens, Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, a make-up bag, AD600 bag, speedlight bag, 700GB drive, and AD600 chargers.
The police statement added that Olamide "also allegedly confessed to breaking into a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, on August 25, 2026, and stealing a Canon camera and lens belonging to someone named Richard."
After this information, police operatives tracked and arrested another suspect named Wisdom Sunday from Oron Road, Uyo. The police confirmed, "Some of the stolen items and other property suspected to be stolen were recovered from that location."
The police also mentioned that preliminary investigations showed the main suspect was "allegedly a repeat offender who was recently released from prison in June 2026." They are now looking into his possible involvement in other burglary cases within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Azare, praised the operatives for their "quick response, intelligence gathering, and professional handling of the investigation." Azare confirmed the command’s commitment to "dismantling criminal networks, recovering stolen property, and ensuring that those who commit burglary, stealing, and other crimes face justice."
He also urged the public, especially business owners, to be cautious, secure their properties, and report any suspicious activities to the police. The command encouraged victims of similar burglary and theft cases to come forward with information to help recover their stolen items.
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