Operatives of the Eastern Ports Command of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested five suspects for allegedly attempting to vandalise iron pipes belonging to Ports and Terminal Operators Limited (PTOL) at the Port Harcourt Port complex.
Commissioner of Police in charge of the Eastern Ports, Tijani Fatai, told journalists on Monday that the suspects were apprehended on Sunday through coordinated efforts between local residents and the command’s surveillance team.
According to him, vandalism around port facilities, once reduced to near zero through sustained policing, has begun resurfacing as the festive season approaches, with criminal elements seeking quick financial gains.
“Yesterday, nemesis caught up with some of them who came around. Maybe because of the festive period, they’re looking for money,” Fatai said. “They tried to vandalise iron pipes under the PTOL jetty, but with help from locals and our surveillance team, we arrested five of them.”
He said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attempted vandalism, adding that the suspects may face prosecution as a deterrent to others.
Fatai reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting critical port infrastructure and preventing criminal activity within the Eastern Ports corridor.
“We’re not sleeping; we are equal to the task. We will not allow any crime to be perpetrated around the port,” he said.
Port sources say vandalisation of port facilities was once rampant—especially during the militancy era—but has significantly reduced in recent years due to proactive policing and stronger collaboration with port operators and stakeholders.
Blessing Ibunge
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