The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a police sergeant and 18 other suspects over the alleged theft of underground pipeline infrastructure in Umunneochi Local Government Area.
According to The PUNCH, the suspects were apprehended by soldiers attached to the Nigerian Army’s 143 Battalion during an operation in the Nkwonta area.
The police confirmed the development on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Military personnel reportedly intercepted the suspects while they were loading pipeline materials into a heavy-duty trailer.
Soldiers arrest 19 suspected pipeline vandals
The operation followed concerns about repeated vandalism and theft of public infrastructure in the area.
The suspects allegedly included a police sergeant attached to the Ovim Division.
Others reportedly comprised a truck driver, bus driver, conductor, loaders and metal cutters.
Military personnel apprehended the individuals during an operation targeting suspected criminal activities involving infrastructure theft.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation.
Police confirm officer’s involvement in investigation
Abia State Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka acknowledged the arrest of the sergeant.
“We are investigating the matter,” she said.
The police did not immediately provide further details about the officer’s alleged role.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC confirmed that the suspects were undergoing profiling.
The agency indicated that appropriate legal action would follow the conclusion of its investigation.
Abia council chairman praises soldiers
The Executive Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Chinedu Ekeke, commended the military operation.
He praised the soldiers for their response to reports of vandalism and the theft of valuable infrastructure.
Ekeke noted that the area had experienced incidents involving electrical installations and other public assets.
He maintained that protecting public infrastructure remained essential to community development.
The council chairman also urged security agencies to sustain efforts against vandalism.
The suspects remain under investigation, and the allegations against them have not been proven in court.
