A dismissed soldier and his accomplice are in the custody of the Akobo Divisional Police Headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, over their roles in the alleged vandalisation of a power transformer and theft of its electrical components at Akala Estate.

In a statement on Wednesday, spokesperson for the command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the arrests were made after a security guard in the estate found a man with a bag containing the stolen items, along with tools he allegedly used for the vandalism.

Mr Ayanlade said the command “arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged vandalisation of a power transformer and theft of electrical components at Akala Estate, Akobo area of Ibadan, following swift action by operatives of the Command.

“On 30th December, 2025, at about 0630hrs, a report was received at the Akobo Divisional Police Headquarters from a security guard attached to Akala Estate. While on routine patrol within the estate, he sighted a suspicious male carrying a bag. Upon search, the bag was found to contain suspected stolen transformer wires, alongside tools allegedly used in cutting the wires. This timely report provided the first crucial lead in the investigation.

“Acting on this information, the suspect, identified as Joshua Israel (M), was apprehended. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the crime and implicated one Abang Takon (M) as his accomplice, providing a key link to a broader investigation into the criminal act.”

Following his confession, “a swift response team led by the Divisional Police Officer, Akobo Division, subsequently arrested Abang Takon. The suspect claimed to be a personnel of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, Odogbo Barracks, but further investigation revealed that he had been dismissed and previously prosecuted, disproving his assertion.”

Stating that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, who commended the vigilance and timely intervention of the security guard and the police division, assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

Mr Haruna further urged residents to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or security post, stressing the need for continued vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies to protect lives, property, and public assets.