Rivers Police Arrest Two for Vandalizing Solar Street Lights in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended two suspects involved in the vandalism and theft of solar-powered street lights in Port Harcourt. The arrest was made near the Trans-Amadi Industrial area following a coordinated police operation aimed at curbing the increasing destruction of public infrastructure.

Suspects Caught in the Act

Acting on intelligence reports, police officers stormed the Danjuma Drive axis of Trans-Amadi in the early hours of January 26, 2025, where they caught the suspects dismantling street lights. The arrested individuals, identified as Shaibu Yusuf (30) from Gombe State and Ibrahim Abubakar (28) from Katsina State, were found in possession of stolen solar panels, bolts, nuts, and other dismantled streetlight components.

Police Confirm Ongoing Investigation

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that the suspects had confessed to being part of a larger syndicate that specializes in the theft of public infrastructure. She assured that investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the gang and bring them to justice.

"These criminals not only cause financial losses to the government but also endanger public safety by leaving streets in darkness, making them unsafe for residents. We will ensure that the full weight of the law is applied," she added.

Rising Cases of Infrastructure Vandalism

Over the past year, Rivers State has witnessed a surge in cases of public infrastructure theft, including streetlights, manhole covers, and power cables. Authorities warn that the trend threatens urban development and security, as criminals target essential public utilities for resale in the black market.

Community leaders have urged law enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance, while residents have been advised to report any suspicious activities around public utilities.

Police Call for Public Support

The Rivers State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to tackling infrastructure vandalism but called for increased public cooperation. The authorities encourage residents to provide timely information that can help prevent future incidents.

Meanwhile, the arrested suspects remain in police custody as legal proceedings are set to commence.

This latest crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat organized crime and protect public assets from destruction.