The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos has arrested four suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the vandalism and theft of telecommunications equipment worth about N150 million.
The suspects — Abuchi Odikemere, 29; Anyanwu Emmanuel, 28; Kayode Segun, 28; and Emmanuel Chineku, 17 — were arrested at a shop on Pastor Alabi Close in the Kosofe area of Lagos.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex, Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the department’s recent investigative activities.
According to him, the investigation began after the police received a petition alleging that armed criminals attacked and vandalised telecommunications facilities in parts of Lagos and the Southeast between March and May 2026.
The suspects allegedly stole telecommunications equipment, including solar batteries, solar panels, generators and other components.
Police said items recovered during the operation included 52 solar batteries, three small solar panels, two solar meters, two surveillance cameras, a hammer and a chisel.
Akpanudom said investigations were still ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate, while those already in custody would face prosecution.
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The FCID also reported the arrest of four suspects in a separate Lagos shop burglary involving mobile phones and other electronic accessories valued at about N20 million.
Meanwhile, two women were arrested and arraigned over an alleged false social media publication claiming that Access Bank would shut down its operations from September 23, 2026.
Police said the publication spread across social media and allegedly caused concern among customers. The suspects were subsequently charged before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations including conspiracy, false publication and dissemination of malicious falsehood.
The FCID Annex said it received 1,816 complaints between June 25 and September 18, 2026, with several cases referred for investigation and prosecution.
The department also disclosed that INTERPOL rescued 36 victims of human trafficking during the period under review.
The FCID said it would continue investigations into criminal complaints, protect critical national infrastructure and collaborate with relevant agencies to combat economic and financial crimes.
Members of the public were urged to provide credible information to the police to support crime prevention and investigations.
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