The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a police sergeant and 18 other suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of underground pipelines in the Nkwonta axis of Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 143 Battalion during a security operation on Friday while allegedly removing underground pipeline infrastructure and loading the materials into a heavy-duty trailer.
According to reports, the 19 suspects include a police sergeant attached to the Ovim Division of the Nigeria Police Force, a truck driver, a bus driver, a conductor, 12 loaders and two panel beaters or metal cutters.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The NSCDC Head of Media and Public Relations, CSC Ndukwe Agu Egwu, speaking on behalf of the State Commandant, disclosed that the suspects were undergoing profiling and would soon be charged to court.
Confirming the arrest of the police sergeant, the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the matter was under investigation.
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The operation has attracted commendation from the Executive Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, who praised the Commanding Officer of the 143 Battalion, Lt. Col. A. M. Rabe, the operation team led by Lt. F. A. Bashir, and other soldiers involved.
Ekeke described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandalism and the protection of public and private infrastructure.
He recalled that he had recently raised concerns over increasing cases of vandalism in the area, including attempted theft at the council’s pig farm and the reported theft of high-tension cables linking Amiyi Obinaohia to Abia State University (ABSU).
The mayor stressed the need for decisive action to protect public assets and warned that those involved in the criminal activities would be made to face the full weight of the law.
The suspects remain under investigation, with authorities expected to proceed with prosecution.
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