Law enforcement officers in Rivers State have detained a man suspected of stealing and vandalizing equipment belonging to Airtel Telecommunication Company in Port Harcourt.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, revealed this on Monday, noting that the arrest occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to Iringe-Koko, officers from the Rumuji Division intercepted the suspect at approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday while he was driving a black Toyota Sienna along the East-West Road.
Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 2,000 tons of 48 Volts Direct Current Power System Cabinets identified as Airtel’s property.
“The suspect could not provide any credible explanation or documentation regarding the equipment,” the superintendent stated, adding that both the suspect and the recovered items are in custody as investigations continue.
In a separate operation, police in Rivers also arrested four men suspected of engaging in criminal activities in the Oyigbo Local Government Area.
During a raid on Blessing Street in Koko-Kom, officers from the Police Hawk Unit reportedly uncovered live ammunition measuring 7.62 by 51mm, along with containers of liquid believed to be illicit drugs.
The suspects, who were apprehended during the operation, allegedly confessed to being part of a criminal group involved in various illegal activities in the area.
“They are cooperating with the investigation by providing information about their operations. Efforts are ongoing to capture other members of the gang and retrieve additional weapons,” Iringe-Koko explained.