Authorities apprehend another individual in connection with reported destruction of Bayelsa bridge

The Bayelsa State Police Command has made a second arrest in connection with the vandalism of the newly commissioned Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, located in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, with the suspect allegedly involved in the destruction of the bridge now in custody.

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Intelligence-led operations conducted by the State Criminal Investigation Department led to the apprehension of those responsible for damaging the critical infrastructure, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.

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A statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, revealed that the first suspect, 26-year-old Daniel Tarila from the Angiama community, was taken into custody on July 3 after being found in possession of two iron plates allegedly removed from the bridge.

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Tarila has been remanded at the Okaka Custodial Centre pending further legal proceedings, according to the police spokesperson, who provided updates on the case.

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The second suspect, identified as 31-year-old Peres Daniel, who had allegedly evaded arrest, was apprehended on July 14 at approximately 5 p.m. on Obele Street in Yenagoa, following the receipt of credible intelligence.

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According to DSP Musa Mohammed, the arrest of the two suspects was the result of a coordinated operation launched by the State Criminal Investigation Department, which was prompted by an intelligence report regarding the vandalism of the Angiama–Oporoma Bridge.

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The police spokesman confirmed that the second suspect, who had initially evaded capture, was arrested on July 14 on Obele Street in Yenagoa, and that an investigation is currently underway, with the suspect to be charged in court upon its conclusion.

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CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, the Commissioner of Police for the Bayelsa State Command, reiterated the command's commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure across the state, emphasizing the importance of protecting critical assets.

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Edebor issued a warning that the police would not tolerate acts of vandalism or sabotage against government property, stressing the need for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around government facilities and critical infrastructure to the nearest police station.

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The Commissioner's statement underscored the command's resolve to protect critical national infrastructure, with a clear warning that acts of vandalism and sabotage of public property would not be tolerated.