The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a police sergeant and 18 other suspects over the theft of underground pipeline infrastructure in the state.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the sergeant has been identified as Daniel Emeka, a police officer attached to the Ovim Division of the Nigeria Police Force.
The arrest was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 143 Battalion along the Nkwonta axis of Isuikwuato Local Government Area. The suspects were apprehended while attempting to load stolen pipeline materials onto a heavy-duty trailer.
According to reports, the other suspects include a truck driver, a bus driver, a conductor, 12 loaders, and two panel beaters or metal cutters—suggesting a coordinated chain involving cutters, loaders, and haulers.
The operation followed a recent warning by the Executive Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, against the destruction and theft of public infrastructure in the area. The mayor commended the Commanding Officer of the 143 Battalion, Lt. Col. A. M. Rabe, and the team leader, Lt. F. A. Bashir, for rejecting substantial bribe offers allegedly made by the suspects to secure their release.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest highlights growing concerns over the involvement of security personnel in the vandalism of critical national assets. Abia’s Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has previously warned officers against misconduct, stating that the Command’s X-Squad would monitor their conduct.
CDA News Nigeria will continue to monitor the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
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