Wave of Vandalism, More Electricity Infrastructure Thieves in A’Ibom Police Net

To counter the ongoing wave of vandalism on public infrastructure, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reported another arrest of two suspects, John Joseph Udo and David Anthony Udo, for vandalizing and stealing public electricity infrastructure in Ikot Ekpene.

The latest brings to four, the number of suspects nabbed by the police in recent times for similar offenses. Just recently, operatives of the command arrested two other suspects, Collins Ekene and Elijah John, for vandalizing electricity transformers.

The suspects , according to a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, were apprehended in the early hours of Saturday, September 6, 2025, while in the act of stealing electrical cables belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company.

“Acting on credible information from a concerned community member, a police crack team was dispatched to a farmland in Nkap village where miscreants were reported to be stealing electrical cables and other property belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company.

“The team apprehended John Joseph Udo, 33yrs and David Anthony Udo, 37,yrs both from Ifoho village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, while they were in the act of vandalizing PHED electric cables. The stolen cables were recovered from the suspects at the scene.

“An investigation is underway to recover more stolen items and identify and arrest the individuals who purchase these stolen items. Suspects will be charged to court accordingly” the release stated

Recall that Governor Umo Eno had expressed concern over the spate of vandalism of public facilities in the state, particularly electricity transformers. In January 2025, Governor Eno had lamented that vandalism not only result in huge costs for the government but also hinders rural development, a key focus area of his administration.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has therefore commended the swift action of the community members who provided credible information that led to the successful arrest.

“An investigation is underway to recover more stolen items and identify and arrest the individuals who purchase these stolen items. Suspects will be charged to court accordingly”. The command assured