Akwa Ibom: NSCDC arrests five for alleged vandalism
By Adeyanju Esther
Five suspects have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom State for vandalising power installations, including high-tension cables.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Bashar Hussaini, announced this on Wednesday at the command headquarters in Uyo.
Hussaini reported that the suspects were apprehended on September 22, 2024, around 2:30 a.m. in Ikot Obio Ekpong village, located in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
“The suspects were caught in the act, with assistance from the local community, while they were cutting high-tension cables at the border between Ikot Obio Ekpong and Ikot Ekong village,” he added.
“The suspects also vandalised power infrastructure in Atanuk village, a neighbouring area to the affected villages.
“The arrested individuals include Uchenna Uguru, the buyer of the stolen cables, along with Emmanuel Sampson, Victor Sampson, and Kingsley Umoren, who are accused of vandalising the cables. Joseph Emmanuel was identified as the motorcycle rider who transported them,” Hussaini stated.
Hussaini noted that the suspects confessed to the crime, explaining that they monitored when the electricity supply was off, then used ladders to climb and cut the high-tension cables in the early hours of the night.
The state commandant added that the items recovered from the suspects included three bundles of high-tension cables taken from various locations, as well as a motorcycle used during the operation.
Hussaini expressed his concern over the rising incidents of vandalism targeting public infrastructure, particularly power installations, in the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to addressing this issue directly and ensuring that Akwa Ibom State becomes inhospitable for vandals and criminal elements.
The NSCDC chief stated that the Command will continue to utilise intelligence and a community-focused approach to security, which has proven effective.
He urged citizens, community leaders, youth, and residents to collaborate with the Corps by promptly reporting criminal activities in their areas for swift action.
The state commandant confirmed that the five suspects will be charged in court as soon as the investigations are complete.
