Uyo, Nigeria – Four suspects have been apprehended in connection with the disappearance of firefighting trucks belonging to the Akwa Ibom State Fire Service, which were found leased to multinational companies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing in Uyo, highlighting the command’s recent operational successes.
According to Azare, the fire trucks, which had been missing since 2021, were leased out by suspected officials of the fire service at a daily rate of ₦140,000 per truck, amounting to a lucrative but illegal three-year deal. The agreement, scheduled to expire in 2024, was unearthed after a tip-off from a Good Samaritan led the police to Port Harcourt, where the trucks were recovered.
Inside the Illicit Leasing Scheme
Azare revealed that the profits from the lease were divided between the fire service officials and the facilitating company. “The company’s share of the deal was ₦80,000 per truck per day, while the fire service officials pocketed ₦60,000 per truck per day,” he explained.
“Acting swiftly, the command recovered the vehicles two months before the deal’s expiration. The four suspects arrested will soon face charges, while efforts to apprehend others involved in the conspiracy are ongoing. Meanwhile, the recovered trucks will be returned to the Akwa Ibom State government to resume serving the people,” the Commissioner added.
Other Law Enforcement Breakthroughs
In another operation, police arrested two individuals, Prosper Jim and Uduak Benson, for vandalizing a transformer belonging to Sure Foundation Polytechnic in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
The suspects allegedly drained transformer oil valued at ₦800,000 and stole armored cables worth ₦3.5 million. The police recovered the transformer, cables, and items suspected to be used for spiritual protection (“juju”) during the arrest. The suspects will also face prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation.
Restoring Public Trust
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command continues to urge the public to report suspicious activities promptly, assuring them that the force is committed to safeguarding lives, property, and public trust. The swift recovery of the fire trucks and arrests in the transformer vandalism and sodomy cases demonstrate the command’s resolve to combat crime and ensure justice prevails.
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