A joint operation mounted by the police, military, and local vigilante members has led to the arrest of two men allegedly involved in the attempted vandalism of an electricity transformer.
According to the police, the incident involving the suspects occurred at about 2:00 am on August 24, 2025, in Ikot Idim village, Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, announced this in a press release issued in Uyo, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
The PPRO said the arrests were the result of credible intelligence received on August 23, 2025, informing them that a criminal gang, which specialises in the theft and vandalism of government and private properties, was planning to enter Akwa Ibom State.
She said upon arrival at the scene, the joint security team successfully ambushed the suspects as they attempted to dismantle an electricity transformer.
The operatives arrested two members of the gang while three other suspects managed to escape into a nearby bush.
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The PPRO listed the arrested suspects as Collins Ekwelu Ekene, a 37-year-old man from Orlu, Isu Local Government Area of Imo State and Elijah Edet John, a 36-year-old man from Obot Idem village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, who resides in Rivers State.
She further added that items recovered from the scene were: two gas cylinders, a towing chain, two iron cutters, an oxygen nozzle, two long, constructive iron pipes, and two mobile phones.
DSP John disclosed that both suspects have confessed to the crime, adding that the investigation is ongoing to track and apprehend the three individuals who fled the scene at the time of the police arrival.
She assured that further information will be made known to the public as the investigation progresses.
