Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in a joint operation with the troops of the Nigerian Army, have arrested two persons accused of vandalising a transformer and other electricity infrastructure in the state.
Disclosing this to Journalists on Wednesday at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Timfon John, said the suspects were arrested in Ika local government area of the state.
DSP John explained that the arrest followed immediate action on intelligence that some suspected criminals were planning to penetrate the State from neighbouing Imo State, in collaboration with local agents.
“In a joint operation early Sunday morning, a combined team of Akwa Ibom State Police, military, and local vigilante members arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the attempted vandalism of an electricity transformer.
“The incident occurred at approximately 2am on August 24, 2025, at Ikot Idim village in Ika LGA.
“The arrests were the result of credible intelligence received on August 23, 2025, which indicated that a criminal gang specialising in the theft and vandalism of government and private properties was planning to enter Akwa Ibom State,” she recalled.
John identified the suspects as one Collins Ekwelu Ekene, a 37-year-old man from Orlu, Isu LGA in Imo State, and his local accomplice, Elijah Edet John, 36, from Obot Idem village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, but a resident of Rivers State.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the joint security team successfully ambushed the suspects as they attempted to dismantle an electricity transformer. Three other suspects managed to escape into a nearby bush,” she added.
The PPRO listed items recovered from the suspects as two gas cylinders, a towing chain, two iron cutters, an oxygen nozzle, two long constructive iron pipes and two mobile phones.
The Police spokesperson said the suspects have confessed to the crime and investigations were ongoing to apprehend the three fleeing suspects.
