By our Reporter
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged vandalisation of the newly commissioned Angiama–Oporoma Bridge in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
The Command said the arrests followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), aimed at tracking down those responsible for damaging the critical public infrastructure.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, the first suspect, Daniel Tarila, 26, of Angiama community, was arrested on July 3, 2026, in Angiama while allegedly in possession of two iron plates suspected to have been removed from the bridge.
The police disclosed that Tarila has been remanded at the Okaka Correctional Centre pending the conclusion of investigations and prosecution.
The statement added that the second suspect, Peres Daniel, 31, also of Angiama community, who had initially evaded arrest, was apprehended on July 14, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. during a follow-up operation at Obele Street in Yenagoa.
According to the Command, the arrest was made following credible intelligence, while investigations are continuing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged vandalism. The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and public assets across the state.
He warned that acts of vandalism and sabotage of government facilities would not be tolerated, stressing that anyone involved in such criminal activities would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around government facilities and other critical infrastructure to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
The Bayelsa State Police Command reiterated its resolve to safeguard public infrastructure and ensure that all those involved in criminal acts against government property are brought to justice.
