Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended suspected vandals in connection with the looting and theft of items from a truck involved in an accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway.

A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday said the suspects were arrested on Sunday, while vandalising and stealing from a truck that had fallen into a valley at the Afaha community located along the Highway.

According to the statement, the operatives, after credible intelligence, mobilised to the scene and arrested one Adamu Hamza, aged 19, and a native of Maiduguri, Borno State, who was found in possession of four suspected stolen truck tyres.

In a follow-up operation, they also arrested the tricycle operator, one Anthony James, who was allegedly used to convey the stolen items from the scene.

The statement reads in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the arrest of suspected vandals involved in the looting and theft of items from an accidented truck along the Calabar–Itu Highway.

“On 10th May, 2026, at about 22:00 hours, Operatives of the Command acted swiftly on credible intelligence received through a tricycle operator regarding the activities of criminal elements vandalizing and stealing from a truck that had fallen into a valley at Afaha along the Calabar–Itu Highway.

“Acting promptly on the information, Police operatives mobilized to the scene and successfully arrested one Adamu Hamza ‘M’, aged 19, a native of Maiduguri, in possession of four suspected stolen truck tyres, with the value yet to be ascertained.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of the tricycle operator, one Anthony James, who was allegedly used to convey the stolen items from the scene.”

DSP John, who disclosed that the suspects are currently in Police custody, noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices connected to the criminal act.

She stated that the commissioner of police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned all criminal elements to desist from looting accident scenes, and has also reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening its surveillance and deploying intelligence-driven policing strategies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

She called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, urging them to remain law-abiding and security-conscious at all times.

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Gunmen have opened fire on the head office of a local security outfit, codenamed OSPAC, at Erema Street in Omoku town, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, injuring one officer. OSPAC is the acronym for Onelga Security and Peace Advisory Committee.

It was gathered that the incident which occurred at about 8:10pm on Saturday night caused pandemonium as residents and passersby scampered for safety.

Though the reason for the attack could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that the assailants rode on two cars, one of which was an ash-coloured Lexus Jeep.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer of the security outfit in Rivers State, Godknows Nkem, said its office is a place where people come to lodge various complaints.

Nkem, however, expressed surprise how the gunmen drove into the office and started shooting indiscriminately, leaving one of its personnel with an ankle injury.

He stated, “At that hour of the day, the gunmen drove in and started shooting sporadically. Nobody died, but one of our personnel sustained a bullet injury on his ankle. Our station guards later repelled the attack.

“The fear of OSPAC is the beginning of wisdom in the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and Rivers State at large. Just that for the past eight months we came on board, our welfare has not been catered for. We have been struggling to survive.”

The state OSPAC image maker however urged residents of ONELGA to be law abiding and go about their normal activities without fear and assured that the perpetrators will be fished out.

When contacted on Sunday afternoon, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed the attack on the vigilante office, saying investigation is ongoing.

Agabe stated, “I can confirm the incident. No arrest for now because the incident happened late in the night, but investigation is ongoing to unmask the identities of the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to justice.”

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The Metropolitan Police Service has said a second teenager has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 14-year-old British-Nigerian, Eghosa Ogbebor, in the Woolwich area of London.

The police disclosed this in a statement obtained on its website on Sunday, noting that the latest suspect, a 15-year-old boy whose identity was withheld for legal reasons, was arrested on Wednesday, May 6, and subsequently charged with murder.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that Eghosa was shot dead in Woolwich on April 2, with three teenagers initially arrested in connection with the incident.

The Metropolitan Police had said officers responded to reports of the shooting at about 3:40 pm and met the victim with gunshot injuries. Despite efforts by emergency responders, he was confirmed dead at the scene.

Giving an update, the police said the new suspect was scheduled to appear before the Barkingside Youth Court.

The statement noted that investigations into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, April 2, commenced after officers were called to Lord Warwick Street following reports of a shooting.

It added that officers, alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, attended the scene and found Eghosa with severe injuries.

The statement read, “A boy has been charged in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor in Woolwich.

“An investigation was launched on Thursday, April 2, after police were called to Lord Warwick Street following reports of a shooting.

“Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and located Eghosa with serious injuries. He sadly died at the scene.”

The Metropolitan Police added that Eghosa’s family continues to receive support from specially trained officers.

The statement further disclosed that this is the second charge filed in connection with the killing.

It noted that a 16-year-old boy from Romford had earlier been charged with murder on Friday, April 10, and was remanded in custody after appearing before the Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 11.

The police added that several other suspects arrested in connection with the case had been released on bail pending further investigations.

“On Saturday, April 4, officers arrested a 19-year-old man in Woolwich on suspicion of murder. A 46-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

“Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man, were arrested on Friday, April 3, in connection with Eghosa’s death. They have also been bailed pending further enquiries. The investigation remains ongoing,” the statement added.

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