Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A man was reportedly caught stealing electric cables along the Calabar highway earlier today (Sunday), underscoring ongoing concerns about vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure in parts of Cross River State.
While details of the arrest remain emerging and not yet confirmed by official police statements, similar incidents in the region have previously highlighted the risks associated with attempts to steal electrical cables. In mid-2025, a man in Calabar South was electrocuted while trying to strip high-tension cables belonging to the Power Holdings Company of Nigeria (PHCN), an event that drew attention to both the dangers of such activities and the persistent problem of utility theft. In that case, the suspect was found attempting to remove the cables when electricity was restored, leading to a fatal electrocution.
Cable theft and vandalism have been recurring issues across Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape. Law enforcement agencies and communities have at times intervened when individuals were seen tampering with or removing cables from public installations. Previous reports from the Calabar area noted occasions where suspected thieves were arrested for cutting and removing electrical wires, with police involvement following community alerts.
Experts say theft of cables and similar infrastructure poses not only criminal liability under Nigerian law but also significant safety hazards, including electrocution, power outages, and costly repairs for distribution companies and local authorities. The electricity sector and regulatory bodies have repeatedly warned that such acts undermine service reliability and expose both perpetrators and the public to unnecessary risk.
At the time of this report, no official police identification or charge details had been released regarding today’s suspect caught along Calabar highway. Authorities are expected to issue a statement in coming hours, with possible charges ranging from theft and vandalism to endangering public safety.
Residents and motorists in the area have been advised to exercise caution around exposed or damaged cables and to report suspicious activity to the police or electricity distribution company personnel to prevent further incidents.
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