Police Arrest 2 Suspected Street Light Thieves in Rivers
Operatives from the Rivers State Police Command have apprehended two individuals suspected of vandalizing and attempting to steal solar-powered street lights along Danjuma Drive, off Trans-Amadi Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The street lights had recently been installed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of its ‘Light Up Niger Delta’ initiative.
The suspects, 30-year-old Shaibu Yusuf from Bolari Town in Gombe State and 28-year-old Ibrahim Abubakar from Katsina State, both reside at the Okuru scrap dump in Abuloma community, Port Harcourt.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested by officers from the Trans-Amadi Police Division, following reliable intelligence.
Items recovered from the suspects included solar light poles, solar light panels, bolts, nuts, and a knife.
“The suspects admitted to being part of a syndicate involved in the theft and vandalism of street solar lights and manhole covers in the area,” Iringe-Koko said.
She added that the suspects have been charged in court, and police efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
“This arrest is part of a broader initiative to combat the vandalism and theft of street solar lights and manhole covers in the state,” the PPRO concluded.
