The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in collaboration with soldiers and local vigilantes, has arrested two men accused of vandalising a transformer and other electricity facilities in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrests while briefing journalists on Wednesday at the command’s headquarters in Uyo.
According to John, security operatives received intelligence on August 23, 2025, that a criminal group from neighbouring Imo State planned to infiltrate Akwa Ibom with the help of local accomplices.
Acting on intelligence, she said security agents ambushed the suspects while trying to dismantle a transformer at Ikot Idim.
The suspects were identified as 37-year-old Collins Ekwelu Ekene from Orlu, Isu LGA of Imo State, and Elijah Edet John, 36, from Obot Idem village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Akwa Ibom, but residing in Rivers State.
She said, “In a joint operation early Sunday morning, a combined team of Akwa Ibom State Police, military, and local vigilante members arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the attempted vandalism of an electricity transformer.
“The incident occurred at approximately 2 am on August 24, 2025, at Ikot Idim village in Ika LGA.
“The arrests were the result of credible intelligence received on August 23, 2025, which indicated that a criminal gang specialising in the theft and vandalism of government and private properties was planning to enter Akwa Ibom State,” she recalled.
John said the team recovered several items from the suspects, including two gas cylinders, a towing chain, two iron cutters, an oxygen nozzle, two long constructive iron pipes, and two mobile phones.
Three other members of the gang escaped into a nearby bush during the operation.
The PPRO confirmed that the suspects had confessed to the crime while investigations were ongoing to track the fleeing accomplices.
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