Police Arrest Four Suspected Vandals, Recover Bridge Components, Oil and Gas Pipes in Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on vandalism and related criminal activities across the state, with the arrest of four male suspects and the recovery of vandalised iron bridge components and suspected carbon steel oil and gas pipes.
The arrests were made in two separate operations carried out on Thursday, February 6, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad, during routine patrols in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the first operation took place at about 6:45 p.m. along the Sagem/Amaechi–Idodo axis of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. During the patrol, SWAT operatives intercepted a white MAN Diesel 40-foot trailer conveying vandalised iron bridge components.
Three male suspects—Agbo Okwudili (45), Emmanuel Onyemachi (18), and Evans Ovie Monday (29)—were arrested at the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, alongside other accomplices who are currently at large, allegedly vandalised iron bridge parts at Eziama Bridge, Amechi-Idodo, in Nkanu East LGA, before attempting to transport them out of the area.
In a second operation later the same day at about 11:56 p.m., the same SWAT team, while on patrol along Owoh/Ubahu Road, also in Nkanu East LGA, intercepted and arrested another male suspect, Orjiakor Hyacinth (50). He was allegedly caught while assembling vandalised suspected carbon steel oil and gas pipes.
Police said that several pieces of the suspected oil and gas pipes, as well as one gas cylinder, were recovered from the suspect.
The Command disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicates who are still at large, adding that the suspects currently in custody would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for their vigilance and swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the professionalism displayed during the operations and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across Enugu State.
The police boss also issued a stern warning to vandals and other criminal elements, noting that acts of vandalism constitute serious social and economic sabotage.
“Those engaged in vandalism and similar crimes should desist forthwith, as the Command will not relent in its efforts to track down and bring all perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
The Enugu State Police Command reiterated its resolve to sustain aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations to ensure a safer environment for residents of the state.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
