Abia Vigilante Arrests Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Isuikwuato

The Abia State Vigilante Service has arrested two suspected vandals for allegedly stealing high-tension electricity cables in the Nkwonta axis of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

The suspects, identified as John Nwabiukwu Augustine and Chukwuemeka, popularly known as “Osama” Emeteole, both from Eke Amiyi, were reportedly caught while vandalising electricity cables around Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, along the Nkwonta–Abia State University (ABSU) axis.

Mayor Ekeke welcomed the arrest, commending the vigilance service for its prompt intervention and renewed commitment to protecting public infrastructure against criminal activities.

Ekeke described the development as a positive response to his earlier warnings about the rising vandalism in the area, stressing that protecting public assets requires sustained vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and residents.

He recalled that Isuikwuato had recently witnessed several attempts to destroy or steal public infrastructure, including the attempted theft of materials at the council’s pig farm, the vandalism of underground pipelines along the Nkwonta axis and the targeting of high-tension electricity cables along the Amiyi Obinaohia–ABSU corridor.

The latest arrest comes barely weeks after troops of the Nigerian Army’s 143 Battalion apprehended 19 suspected vandals along the Nkwonta axis on October 23, 2026. A serving police sergeant was reportedly among those arrested during the operation, which also received commendation from the Mayor.

Ekeke urged security agencies, community vigilante groups and residents to strengthen intelligence sharing and promptly report suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities.

He warned that anyone found guilty of vandalising public infrastructure would face the full weight of the law, adding that the destruction of electricity facilities and other public assets poses serious threats to public safety, essential services and community development.

The Mayor also appealed to parents, youths, traditional and community leaders to support the fight against vandalism, while cautioning residents against taking the law into their own hands.

He advised anyone with useful information about suspected vandals to report to the Nigerian Army or the Abia State Vigilante Service for investigation and necessary action.