A suspected cable thief was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, by members of a local vigilante group at the OMPADEC area of Amarata in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
According to residents, the suspect was caught while allegedly stealing electrical cables from a residential building in the neighbourhood.
The swift intervention of the vigilante group reportedly prevented the theft and led to the suspect’s arrest.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect was intercepted while attempting to remove the electrical cables from the house. He was subsequently restrained by members of the vigilante outfit before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Residents of the OMPADEC area expressed relief over the arrest, describing cable theft as a recurring challenge that has caused repeated losses and inconvenience to homeowners.
They said the persistent theft of electrical wiring has left many residents living in fear and forced some to spend huge sums replacing stolen cables and repairing damaged electrical installations.
Some community members commended the vigilance and prompt response of the local security outfit, noting that the arrest would serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements operating in the area.
They also called on law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable in order to curb the growing menace.
The residents further appealed to security agencies to intensify patrols across Amarata and other parts of Yenagoa, especially during the night and early morning hours, when such criminal activities are said to be most prevalent.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the suspect had not been officially disclosed, while the Bayelsa State Police Command had yet to issue a statement on the incident.
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