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

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