NKWONTA, ISUIKWUATO—Just days after the Executive Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, issued a stern public warning against public property destruction, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 143 Battalion executed a major security operation, arresting 19 suspected vandals caught stealing underground pipelines along the Nkwonta axis of the local government.
The suspects were caught red-handed as they attempted to load stolen pipeline infrastructure onto a heavy-duty trailer. The successful raid marks a significant victory in the administration’s campaign to protect public infrastructure and maintain security across the LGA.
The arrests, which took place along the Nkwonta axis of Isuikwuato, on Friday, October 23, 2026, followed recent concerns raised by the Executive Mayor over increasing incidents of vandalism targeting valuable infrastructure and materials within the local government area.
The operation has drawn commendation from Mayor Ekeke, who praised the efforts of the Commanding Officer, 143 Battalion, Lt. Col. A. M. Rabe, the leader of the company that made the arrests, Lt. F. A. Bashir, and all the soldiers involved, for their swift response and dogged display of integrity, which led to the apprehension of the suspects.
At the point of arrest, the Army received huge bribe offers from the culprits, but they refused to compromise and rejected the money. The Mayor described their actions as an outstanding example of how officers should conduct themselves, and discharge their duties without fear or favour.
Speaking to the press earlier today, Mayor Ekeke described the operation as a significant success in efforts to curb vandalism and protect public and private property within the local government area.
The Mayor recalled that just days before the arrests, he had raised the alarm over the growing incidence of vandalism in the LGA, including an attempted theft of materials at the Council’s pig farm, high tension cables running from Amiyi Obinaohia to ABSU, alongside other reported incidents involving public assets.
At the time, he appealed to parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the activities of their children and wards, stressing the importance of community responsibility in preventing criminal activity.
He noted that decisive action is necessary to protect infrastructure, safeguard public resources and discourage further attacks on valuable assets within the local government. He also assured residents that the suspects would be made to face the full weight of the law.
The 19 suspects reportedly include one Sergeant Daniel Emeka, a police personnel attached to the Ovim Division of the Nigeria Police Force. The list of suspects also include a truck driver, a bus driver, a conductor, twelve loaders, and two panel beaters/metal cutters.
Following their arrest, the suspects have now been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.
The development reinforces the Mayor’s earlier call for residents to take a more active role in protecting public and private property.
Vandalism affects more than the immediate owners of damaged assets. It can disrupt essential services, threaten livelihoods, undermine safety and divert resources that could otherwise be used for development.
With the 19 suspects now in NSCDC custody, attention will turn to the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
View official release and pictures here.
