Police arrest six for alleged street lights theft in Bayelsa

Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Bayelsa State Command, have arrested six persons over their involvement in supposed cases of vandalism and theft of solar-powered street lights in some parts of the State.

The suspects, according to the Police, were arrested with stolen solar panels and iron cutting equipment and are assisting the police in its investigation to unravel those involved in the buying of the stolen items from them.

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The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, while speaking on the spike in cases of vandalism and theft of Solar street lights along the Elebele-AIT road and other lonely roads stretching through the State capital, said those arrested will soon be paraded in court.

He also revealed that the State Government has assisted the Police command in procuring a high powered long range security drone use, in day and night patrol surveillance to ensure reduction in crime and criminality.

According to him, “Vandalism is sabotage. We have discovered that some criminal elements are venting their frustrations on solar lights infrastructures that have kept night life going in the State. And those involved are being monitored and apprehended.

“Vandalism is sabotage. And the citizens social infrastructure should not be tampered with and destroyed. It is an investment for the people.”

On the need to parade the suspects, the Bayelsa CP called for the review of the restriction against patrolling suspects, saying “we don’t support dehumanisation of suspects. But those arrested with evidence should be allowed to be paraded as a deterrent to others thinking of towing their line.“