Aba Power commends residents for foiling vandalism attempt on electricity infrastructure

Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE) has commended residents of Obohia Ndoki and the Abia State Community Police, Ukwa East Command, for their swift response in foiling an attempted vandalism of critical power infrastructure in the early hours of Monday, June 15, 2026.

BusinessDAY gathered that the incident occurred along the Obohia-Ndoki Road, in Ukwa East Local Government Area, where suspected vandals targeted high-tension electricity lines serving communities within the area.

According to Iheanyi Nwankwo, Administrative Secretary, Abia State Community Police, Ukwa East Command, the operation began after a local hunter, identified as Nwabueze, observed suspicious activity around electricity poles at about 2:00 a.m. and promptly alerted authorities.

“Upon receiving the report from the hunter, the information was immediately escalated to Peter Nwosu, our Commander, who mobilised a response team and proceeded to the scene without delay,” Nwankwo said.

He explained that upon noticing the arrival of the security team, the suspects abandoned their tools and fled the area, after damaging three high-tension pole lines.

“The team maintained surveillance at the location for several hours, hoping the suspects would return to retrieve the stolen materials and equipment, but they never came back,” he added.

The Community Police subsequently recovered the vandalised conductors and tools left behind and notified Aba Power. The team also informed Chibunna Akara,
Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area and officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the area.

Residents expressed outrage over the continued attacks on public infrastructure, describing vandalism as a threat to community development and reliable electricity supply.

One resident and farmer, who requested anonymity, condemned the incident and urged stronger measures to deter perpetrators.

“People are frustrated because these acts affect the entire community. Everyone benefits from electricity, so destroying power infrastructure is hurting ourselves,” he said.

Aba Power officials, led by Kenneth Agu, the company’s Chief Security Officer, and Edise Ekong, Manager, Branding and Communication, APLE, later visited the community to formally receive the recovered materials.

Speaking during the handover, Agu praised the efforts of the Community Police and local residents.

“We sincerely appreciate the vigilance and commitment demonstrated by the Community Police and members of the community. Their prompt action prevented further damage to critical infrastructure and helped protect the electricity supply to our customers,” he said.

Ekong reiterated the company’s commitment to combating energy theft and vandalism across its network.

“Aba Power has declared war on energy theft and vandalism, because these crimes undermine investments, disrupt power supply, and negatively affect the communities we serve,” he said.

He added, “This incident demonstrates the importance of community vigilance. Protecting power infrastructure is a collective responsibility, and we encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activities around electricity assets.”

Peter Nwosu formally handed over the recovered conductors and other vandalised materials to the Aba Power team and assured the company of continued collaboration in safeguarding power assets within the area.

“We remain committed to protecting public infrastructure and working with stakeholders to ensure criminals do not succeed in sabotaging services that benefit our communities,” Nwosu said.

The incident aligns with Aba Power’s ongoing anti-vandalism and anti-energy theft campaign, tagged “See Something, Say Something.” The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between the company and host communities while encouraging residents to report suspicious activities involving transformers, electricity poles, power lines, meters, and other utility assets.

The company has repeatedly emphasised that community participation remains one of the most effective tools in protecting power infrastructure and ensuring sustainable electricity supply across its franchise area.