The Anambra State Police Command has recorded major successes in its sustained fight against the sabotage and vandalism of public infrastructure, with separate operations leading to the arrest of four suspects, the recovery of vandalized power installations, and the death of one suspect in Onitsha and Obosi.
On August 21, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, raided a hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha, where suspected vandals were operating. Three suspects were arrested during the raid. They include Adamu Ali (25 years), Usman Sulaiman (22 years), and Isah Abdullahi (26 years). Items recovered from the scene include bags of high-tension cable wires, melted cables, and parts of transformer equipment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate that specializes in vandalizing and selling power installations, with Lagos identified as their primary market.
In a separate development earlier the same day, security operatives attached to Isiowulu Police Station, while on patrol along Ascension Anglican Church Road, Obosi, intercepted four young men carrying a black “Super Shopping” bag. On sighting the operatives, three of them fled, while one was apprehended with the bag. A search revealed assorted cut-to-size armoured cables, two iron cutters, a glass cutter, hand gloves, a sling, a long-sleeve shirt, keys, and a pair of rubber slippers.
The suspect was taken into custody but reportedly attempted to escape while being escorted for handover to the police. In the process of re-arresting him, he sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. His body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
All recovered exhibits have been secured, including the weapon used by the vigilante group during the operation. The Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into both incidents, with efforts ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover more stolen items.
Spokesman of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reiterated that the Police will not relent in fishing out criminal elements sabotaging public utilities in the state. He further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around government installations to the nearest police station.
