Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended six individuals alleged to be part of a syndicate notorious for vandalizing and stealing electricity transformers and other public infrastructure across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests during a press briefing on Tuesday in Port Harcourt. According to her, the suspects were detained following their involvement in the theft of a 1,000 KVA transformer valued at N52 million from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) residential quarters in Rumuokwurushi.
“The suspects attacked and overpowered local security guards before proceeding to vandalize the transformer,” Iringe-Koko stated. In addition to stealing the transformer, the suspects reportedly robbed the security personnel of their mobile phones and cash during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested individuals are part of a larger syndicate specializing in the theft and destruction of government-owned electrical installations. “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a group that targets transformers and other critical infrastructure across Rivers State,” Iringe-Koko added.
The police have recovered evidence from the suspects, who remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are also intensifying efforts to track down other members of the syndicate who are currently at large.
The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and called on residents to report suspicious activities in their communities.