Police arrest two suspected vandals, recover stolen items

The police in Cross River State have arrested two men over alleged vandalism and theft of facilities belonging to Akamkpa Quarry Limited, also known as Sterling Global, in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

The suspects, Kelvin Ignatius, 27, and Arnold Okon, 29, both from Obung Village in Akamkpa, were arrested on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2, Akamkpa/Ugep, following intelligence about suspected vandals operating around Nsang Junction.

The police said, “Three long iron poles suspected to have been stolen from the quarry were recovered from the suspects.”

Police allege wider theft

Mr Eitokpah said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted stealing the iron poles and disclosed their alleged involvement in the theft of other property belonging to the company.

The items allegedly stolen include “diesel, engine oil and truck tyres.”

The police said investigations were ongoing to recover the other stolen property and identify and arrest additional suspects allegedly connected to the vandalism network.

Recent security concerns

The latest arrests come amid other reported security incidents in the state.

Earlier in August, the police launched a manhunt for three suspects over the killing of a cocoa farm worker, Joseph Friday, during an attack on a farm in Isibendeghe Community, Boki Local Government Area.

The police said the deceased suffered gunshot injuries, while two other workers escaped.

That incident came barely a month after the command began investigating the fatal shooting of a farmer and the wounding of another during an attack on farmland in Biase LGA.

READ ALSO: Police probe killing of cocoa farm worker in Cross River

In April, police also arrested a 26-year-old man, Daniel Saviour, in Calabar over alleged armed robbery, assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. Police said he allegedly attacked a motorcyclist with a machete and stole his motorcycle and phone. A locally made pistol and other weapons were reportedly recovered from him.

The latest operation, therefore, adds to the command’s recent efforts to tackle violent crime, theft and attacks on property across the state.

The police appealed to residents to continue providing credible information to aid crime prevention and protect public and private facilities.