The Anambra State Police Command has intercepted a bus loaded with vandalized materials stolen from an MTN telecommunications site.
The dramatic operation took place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in the Igbo-Ukwu area of Aguata Local Government Area.
Police officers from the Igbo-Ukwu Divisional Headquarters acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activity near an MTN mast located opposite Saint Martin’s Catholic Church in Umudege, Igbo-Ukwu.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were caught red-handed vandalizing a Lister Model Electricity Generator attached to the mast.
Upon sighting the approaching officers, the criminals abandoned their loot and fled into the nearby bush, leaving behind a fully loaded getaway vehicle.
The police recovered a white Peugeot J5 Boxer bus with registration number AKL 896 XB.
Inside the vehicle, they found a trove of stolen items, including a Lister electricity generator, iron pipes, a roller, and other industrial tools.
SP Ikenga disclosed that the recovered tools included a large metal cutter, a big pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a pair of black canvas shoes likely worn by one of the fleeing vandals.
“This is a clear case of economic sabotage,” Ikenga stated in a press release issued on Monday, December 9, in Awka, the state capital.
Efforts are now underway to apprehend the suspects who remain at large.
The Anambra State Police Command has called on residents of Igbo-Ukwu and surrounding areas to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Anyone with information about these criminals should assist the police,” Ikenga pleaded.
He assured the public that any information shared would be treated with confidentiality.
This incident highlights the growing menace of infrastructure vandalism in Nigeria.
Telecommunication masts, electricity grids, and public installations have increasingly become targets of criminals seeking quick cash by stealing valuable equipment.
Such acts disrupt essential services, including communication and electricity supply, and cost companies and the government millions of naira in repairs and replacements.
SP Ikenga lamented the negative impact of these activities on Nigeria’s economy.
“This level of sabotage affects everyone. The public suffers service outages, while companies bear huge financial losses,” he said.
The police reiterated the importance of vigilance, urging community members to report any suspicious movements around public installations.
Residents in Umudege, where the vandalism occurred, expressed concern over the safety of essential infrastructure.
“This mast is crucial for communication in our area. It’s shameful that some people would destroy it for selfish gains,” said a local resident who identified herself as Ngozi.
Another resident, Mr. Chukwuma, called for stronger security measures around public facilities.
“If we had guards or proper monitoring, these criminals wouldn’t have had the chance to strike,” he said.
While the suspects remain at large, SP Ikenga assured the public that the police are committed to bringing them to justice.
“Our officers are following every lead, and we won’t rest until these saboteurs are caught,” he declared.
The recovered bus and items are currently in police custody as part of ongoing investigations.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in safeguarding critical infrastructure across the country.
The Anambra State Police Command continues to urge residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities in fighting crime.
