Cross River State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure in Calabar.

The suspects comprise a 36-year-old principal suspect and three others arrested during a follow-up operation, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, on Friday.

Eitokpah said the follow-up operation was prompted by information obtained during the interrogation of one of the suspects. The development led police operatives to extend their investigation to Murtala Mohammed Highway, around Pepsi, and a dumpsite in the Harbour area of Calabar.

The case concerns the alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension, Calabar.

The police said five additional persons were initially arrested for questioning over their suspected links to the incident. However, two were released after preliminary investigations found them not culpable, leaving three additional suspects in custody alongside the principal suspect.

The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine the individual roles of the suspects still in custody.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ajo Ordue, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure and warned that anyone found culpable of vandalism or the unlawful possession or receipt of stolen electricity materials would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He urged residents to provide credible information that could assist investigators and cautioned members of the public against purchasing or receiving materials suspected to have been stolen from electricity installations.

Residents were also encouraged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.