The Edo State Security Vigilante Network has nabbed three members of a gang that specialised in stealing armoured cables in Benin City, the state capital.
The leader of the operation, Osasere Ekhator, an official of the security network, said the suspects were caught during a routine stop and search along Sapele Road in Benin City.
Ekhator stated that Mustapha Mohammed, Gilbert Okonkwo, and Alli Mohammed are among the suspects who have been apprehended.
He mentioned that Alli Mohammed directed security network operatives to other gang members following his interrogation.
Subsequent examinations disclosed that Okonkwo is purportedly a dealer who obtains damaged cables from the other syndicate members.
Ekhator revealed that Alli Mohammed was taken into custody at 2:00 a.m. on Monday. He stated that although the driver of the vehicle had attempted to resist, he was eventually overpowered by members of his team who found the stolen goods hidden in the vehicle’s trunk.
“Alli stated during questioning that this was his second operation,” Ekhator stated. “He vandalized a transformer and electric cables at King Square and was transporting the items to a dealer who was waiting to purchase them before he was arrested by Edo State Security Vigilante Network agents.”
Col. Kole Oshoriamhe Omomia (Rtd), Coordinator of the Edo State Security Vigilante Network, stated that the security network’s officials are stepping up their efforts to reduce the number of crimes in the state.
