The police command in Cross River has arrested four suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure in Calabar.

The command’s spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this on Friday, saying the arrests followed the interrogation of an earlier suspect, which led operatives to extend their operations to Murtala Mohammed Highway, around Pepsi, and a dumpsite in the Harbour area of Calabar.

The police had earlier reported the alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension, Calabar.

According to Eitokpah, five additional persons were initially arrested for questioning.

“However, two of them were released after preliminary investigations found them not culpable, leaving three additional suspects in custody alongside the other suspect,” he said.

He said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and determine the individual roles, if any, of the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure.

Ordue said 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 the public to provide credible information to assist the investigation and cautioned against purchasing or receiving materials suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from electricity installations.

He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.