CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNMENT RECORDS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN FIGHT AGAINST PUBLIC UTILITY VANDALISM

The Office of the Special Adviser on Public Utilities has received and commends the successful operation carried out by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Cross River State Command, which led to the identification, arrest, and recovery of vandalised components belonging to the KALASHIKA Factory, a critical asset of the Cross River State Government.

On 17th December 2025, following months of sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance, operatives traced and recovered dismantled metal components of the KALASHIKA Factory at a scrap metal dump site located at Abasi Obori, Ikot Ishie, Calabar. The facility is reportedly operated by one Weke Emmanuel Chukwu (male, 39 years).

During the operation, the principal suspect and nine other individuals were arrested in connection with the vandalism, storage, and attempted disposal of the government property. Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the extent of involvement of each suspect and to uncover any wider network connected to the act.

The Special Adviser on Public Utilities describes the arrest as a significant milestone in the State Government’s renewed determination to protect public utilities and critical infrastructure from criminal sabotage. The Adviser reaffirmed that vandalism of government assets will not be tolerated, as it undermines development, public safety, and economic progress.

In light of this development, the Office of the Special Adviser strongly emphasizes the need for:

✓A comprehensive review and regulation of scrap metal merchants and their operations across Cross River State; and

✓Enhanced community sensitisation, with the active involvement of traditional institutions, to curb the vandalisation, storage, and transportation of vandalised public utilities within and outside communities.

The Cross River State Government calls on residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities relating to public infrastructure to relevant security agencies.

The Government remains committed to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that those who engage in acts of vandalism are brought to justice.

E-Signed:

Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM

Office of the Special Adviser on Public Utilities

Cross River State Government

Comments

BREAKING NEWS: Youths of Ikot Ansa Nab Vandals Destroying Public Utilities, Hand Over to Authorities for Prosecution

In a combined effort to curb the rampant vandalism of public utilities in Cross River State, the youth leader of Ikot Ansa, Prince, Victor Otu Iso JR, alongside his community, successfully apprehended criminals involved in the destruction of vital public infrastructure. The vandals were caught red-handed this morning, 13th day of September 2024, as they attempted to steal Amor cables belonging to state transformers at Ekpo Iso. Acting swiftly, the youth leader invited the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, and his counterpart on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, to the scene. The Special Advisers arrived promptly, accompanied by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from the Federal Division, and took custody of the criminals. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and prosecution. While addressing the youths of Ikot Ansa, Engr. Dr. Egbe and Barr. Akiba commended t...

Hope Waddell, Ex-Gov Ayade Settle Land Dispute, Launch 1bn Endowment Fund

By Detailing News The longstanding land dispute between the Presbyterian Church’s Hope Waddell Training Institution and the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has been amicably resolved, paving the way for renewed development at the historic institution. The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, disclosed this at a press conference in Calabar on Monday. The briefing marked the commencement of activities for the 130th anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution, which was established in 1895. According to him, the dispute was not solely between the Church and the former governor but also involved the institution’s Old Students Association. He explained that the contested land had historical significance as the former residence of the Inspector-General of Police. “The land issue was not just between Governor Ayade and the Church; it also involved the Old Students Associati...

Gov’s Aide on Public Utilities Assesses Infrastructure at College of Health, Calabar

By Detailing News In a bid to revamp public utilities across Cross River State, the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, embarked on a needs assessment tour of the College of Health Technology, Calabar, today March 12, 2025. The visit forms part of a statewide initiative to identify and restore non-functional public infrastructure, aligning with Governor Otu’s "First People’s Mantra", which prioritizes the well-being of citizens and economic growth through infrastructural development. Engr. Egbe emphasized the importance of rehabilitating public utilities to enhance their efficiency, encourage industrial growth, and create a conducive environment for investment in the state. "This tour is necessary to assess the state of public utilities and identify areas where the government must intervene. Many institutions, including this college, have pressing infrastructural challenges that hinder growth and academic excel...

Detailing News

Search This Blog