Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested 2 suspects for alleged vandalisation and theft of electricity infrastructure belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, who stated this on Wednesday at the State headquarters, Uyo, said the arrest and recovery of the stolen cables were achieved through diligent intelligence follow-up by the vigilant youths.
John disclosed that the incident took place at Nkap Community in Ikot Ekpene local government area of the State.
“Operatives of the Command successfully arrested two men suspected of vandalising and stealing public electricity infrastructure.
“Acting on credible information from a concerned community member, a Police crack team was dispatched to a farmland in Nkap village, in Ikot Ekpene LGA, where miscreants were reported to be stealing electrical cables and other properties belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
“The team apprehended John Joseph Udo, 33, and David Anthony Udo, 37, both from Ifuho village in Ikot Ekpene LGA, in the act of vandalising PHEDC electric cables. The stolen cables were recovered from the suspects at the scene.
“An investigation is underway to recover more stolen items, identify and arrest the individuals who purchase these stolen items,” she stressed.
Timfon assured the public that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of the investigations.
The Command commended the swift action of the youths which led to the arrest of the suspected vandals.
“This incident highlights the importance of community partnership in combating crime and protecting critical public infrastructure,” the PPRO said.
