Police Bust Suspected Cross-Border Stolen Phone Syndicate In A’Ibom, Recover 36 Devices
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Idongesit Ashameri
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered a suspected stolen-phone distribution network linked to armed robbery operations, arresting a suspected receiver of stolen devices and recovering 36 mobile phones believed to be proceeds of crimes committed within and outside the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed the breakthrough on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, saying investigations had revealed the existence of a wider criminal syndicate involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders.
According to the police chief, the suspect, Musa Idris, was arrested following intelligence-led investigations into a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar-Itu Road corridor.
He revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested in October 2025 for alleged armed robbery-related offences and possession of more than 200 Android phones suspected to be stolen.
Items recovered from the suspect include 34 assorted Android phones, two button phones, a tricycle, a power bank, rechargeable fans, a jack knife and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
“The recovered phones are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State,” Azare stated.
The Commissioner said the suspect had provided useful information to investigators, leading to fresh intelligence on a larger criminal network allegedly engaged in receiving, moving and reselling stolen mobile devices across jurisdictions.
He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large, stressing that the Command remains committed to dismantling organised criminal networks operating in the state.
Azare also announced the prosecution of one Akaninyene Udo, popularly known on social media as “AK Philo”, for allegedly circulating false security information capable of causing public panic. He said the suspect had been charged before a competent court and remanded in a correctional facility.
The police boss further disclosed that the Command had commenced enforcement against vehicles operating with covered, altered, defaced or absent registration number plates as part of efforts to strengthen security and deny criminals the opportunity to exploit anonymity for unlawful activities.
