Bayelsa Police Arrest Suspects in Bridge Vandalism and Ministry Theft

The Bayelsa State Police Command announced the arrest of a second suspect, Peres Daniel, 31, on July 14 for allegedly vandalising the newly commissioned Angiama‑Oporoma Bridge in Southern Ijaw. He was captured after an intelligence‑led operation on Obele Street in Yenagoa. The first suspect, Daniel Tarila, 26, had been detained on July 3 with two iron plates taken from the bridge. Police Commissioner Iyamah Daniel Edebor said the force remains committed to protecting critical infrastructure and warned against further sabotage.

In a separate investigation, the police also arrested three employees of the Bayelsa Ministry of Labour Empowerment and Productivity for an alleged theft of government equipment valued at about ₦500 million. The suspects – Wadi Igiran, 51; Nikade Sunday, 59; and Azabia Yakie, 59 – were taken into custody after a petition revealed missing assets, including a 110 kVA generator, forklift, lathe machines and other equipment. The stolen forklift has been recovered, and the police emphasized their resolve to safeguard public assets.