The Edo State Security Vigilante Network has arrested members of a syndicate specialised in theft of armoured cables in the Benin metropolis.
An official of the Edo State Security Vigilante Network, who led the operation, Osasere Ekhator, said the three suspected members of the syndicate were arrested during a stop and search exercise along Sapele Road in Benin City, Edo State.
Ekhator said the suspects arrested include Alli Mohammed, Mustapha Mohammed and Gilbert Okonkwo.
He noted that after interrogation, Alli Mohammed led members of the security network to other members of the gang.
Further investigation revealed that Okonkwo is an alleged dealer who procures vandalized cables from the other members of the syndicate.
Ekhator disclosed that Alli Mohammed was arrested at 2:00am on Monday morning, noting that the driver of the vehicle had put up a resistance but was overpowered by men of his team who discovered that the stolen goods were stashed in the trunk of the vehicle.
“Upon interrogation, Alli said this was the second time he has embarked on an operation,” Ekhator said, adding, “he vandalised a transformer and electric cables at King Square and was carting the items to a dealer waiting to buy the items before he was apprehended by operatives of the Edo State Security Vigilante Network.”
On his part, the Coordinator, Edo State Security Vigilante Network, Col. Kole Oshoriamhe Omomia (Rtd) said officials of the security network are intensifying efforts to check the incidence of crimes across the state.
