Police Arrest Suspected Vandalism Gang In Akwa Ibom

Wednesday August 27, 2025
The NewsDESK |

By Idorenyin UMOREN

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested suspected gang of vandals in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

This was contained in a Press Release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John in Uyo on August 27, 2025.

The release stated that: “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 2:00AM on August 24, 2025, in Ikot Idim village, Ika Local Government Area.

“The arrests were the result of credible intelligence received on August 23, 2025, which indicated that a criminal gang specializing in the theft and vandalism of government and private properties was planning to enter Akwa Ibom State.

“The arrested suspects have been identified as Collins Ekwelu Ekene, a 37-year-old male from Orlu, Isu Local Government Area in Imo State, and Elijah Edet John, a 36-year-old male from Obot Idem village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, who resides in Rivers State.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the joint security team successfully ambushed the suspects as they attempted to dismantle an electricity transformer. Three other suspects managed to escape into a nearby bush.

“The following items were recovered from the scene:
* Two gas cylinders
* A towing chain
* Two iron cutters
* An oxygen nozzle
* Two long constructive iron pipes
* Two mobile phones

“Both suspects have confessed to the crime. An investigation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the three individuals who fled the scene.

“Further information will be released as the investigation progresses,” DSP John concluded.