Troops of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested six suspects in connection with the alleged theft of construction materials designated for the ongoing Second Niger Bridge project in Delta State.

Security sources said that the suspects were apprehended at about 7:10 a.m. on May 31 by troops deployed at the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) project site in Asaba.

According to the sources, the suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing iron rods meant for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge at the Head Bridge section located in Issele-Asagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

The troops also recovered a truck, a bus and several iron rods suspected to have been stolen from the project site during the operation.

“The suspects were intercepted following intelligence and security surveillance around the project area. The recovered materials are believed to be part of the construction items designated for the bridge project,” a security source said.

The source added that the arrested suspects and recovered exhibits had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Second Niger Bridge is one of Nigeria’s major infrastructure projects designed to improve transportation and economic activities between the South-East and other parts of the country.

Security authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring that individuals involved in vandalism, theft and sabotage of public assets are brought to justice.

They also urged members of the public to provide timely information to security agencies to assist efforts aimed at safeguarding government projects and other critical infrastructure across the country. (Zagazola)

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