The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against vandalism with the arrest of suspected vandals linked to the destruction of components belonging to the KALASHIKA Factory, a Cross River State Government–owned facility.
According to the NSCDC, its Anti-Vandal Assets Unit successfully identified, arrested, and recovered vandalised metal components of the KALASHIKA Factory on 17 December 2025, following months of sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The recovered items were traced to a metal dump site at Abasi Obori, Ikot Ishie, Calabar, allegedly operated by Weke Emmanuel Chukwu (male, 39 years). During the operation, nine other suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
The NSCDC disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the individual roles and level of involvement of each suspect in the vandalism, storage, and attempted disposal of the government property.
In light of the development, the NSCDC stressed the need for decisive action to curb the rising trend of public infrastructure vandalism in the state. The Corps recommended:
-
An urgent and comprehensive review of the operations and activities of scrap metal merchants in Cross River State.
-
Community sensitisation and stronger involvement of traditional institutions to tackle the vandalisation, storage, and transportation of stolen public utilities within and outside communities.
Photographs of the balkanised suspected vandalised KALASHIKA metal components and the means of conveyanceused by the suspects have been attached for public awareness and official attention.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical government assets and warned that individuals or groups involved in vandalism will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Signed:
C. E. Okarazu
State Commandant
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State
