February 24, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled what is being described as a coordinated cable vandalism syndicate in Eket, following a pre-dawn, intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest of three suspects.
This breakthrough, recorded in the early hours of February 22, 2026, signals a renewed offensive by the Command against economic sabotage and the destruction of critical infrastructure across the state.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives raided Obiokpa Street in the Eket Local Government Area around 4:00 a.m. after reports indicated that suspected vandals were systematically removing cables under the cover of darkness.
A press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, noted that the criminal activity had caused significant economic losses and heightened security concerns within the vicinity.
One suspect, identified as Isaac Peter, was apprehended at the scene, where several exhibits believed to be linked to the vandalism were recovered.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Peter Jacob and Edoho Nsima, who are alleged to be members of the same criminal network.
Preliminary findings suggest that the trio was involved in a coordinated conspiracy to unlawfully dismantle and remove vital infrastructure materials.
Police sources indicate that investigations remain ongoing to determine the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and to identify any other collaborators.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage.
He warned individuals engaged in the destruction of public or private infrastructure to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.
“The Command remains resolute in its mandate to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of lives and property,” the Commissioner stated, while also urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The police have assured the residents of Eket and the wider Akwa Ibom community of sustained surveillance and proactive operations aimed at dismantling any criminal networks threatening the state’s economic stability.
