February 25, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have foiled a suspected cable-vandalism syndicate in Eket, arresting three suspects in an early morning operation aimed at curbing economic sabotage in the state.
The operation, carried out at about 4:00 a.m. on February 22, along Obiokpa Street in Eket Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence that unidentified individuals had been vandalising cables under the cover of darkness, causing economic losses and posing security risks to residents.
Police said one suspect, Isaac Peter, was apprehended at the scene, while exhibits linked to the vandalism were recovered during the raid.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Peter Jacob and Edoho Nsima, believed to be members of the same network.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were allegedly involved in a coordinated conspiracy to vandalise and unlawfully remove critical infrastructure materials.
The recovered items have been secured as investigations continue to determine the full scope of the operation and identify possible collaborators.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
He warned that individuals engaged in the destruction of public and private infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
The Command assured residents of Eket and other parts of the state of its commitment to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain law and order, urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
