Aguiyi Declares War on Vandalism in Anambra, Vows to Prosecute Offenders

The Anambra State Government has declared a fresh crackdown on the vandalisation of public infrastructure following the arrest of a suspected vandal and the recovery of government-installed iron barricades allegedly dismantled for sale as scrap.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, issued the warning on September 4 during a visit to the Okpoko Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogbaru Local Government Area, following an enforcement operation by the Ministry’s Scrap Monitoring Team at Relief Market, Okpoko.

The operation was launched after the team received intelligence that some individuals were allegedly cutting government-installed iron barricades into smaller pieces and removing them for sale as scrap.

Acting on the information, members of the Scrap Monitoring Team raided the market and arrested one suspect, while other alleged members of the group reportedly fled the scene.

The team subsequently alerted the Okpoko Divisional Police, whose officers responded promptly and took the suspect into custody.

The dismantled barricades, which had reportedly been loaded onto a truck, were also recovered and handed over for investigation. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged vandalism and identify other individuals who may have been involved.

Speaking during the visit, Aguiyi described the alleged vandalisation of public infrastructure as an attack on the collective resources of Ndi Anambra.

“There will be no hiding place for vandals. Anyone caught vandalising public infrastructure will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.

The commissioner said public facilities such as iron barricades, streetlights, bridge manholes and other infrastructure were installed at considerable cost to protect lives, enhance public safety and improve residents’ quality of life.

He stressed that the destruction or removal of such facilities goes beyond the loss of government resources, warning that it could expose residents to serious safety hazards.

Aguiyi recalled that he declared a zero-tolerance policy on vandalism upon assuming office, adding that the ministry had begun restructuring its task force operations to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement.

He commended members of the Scrap Monitoring Team for their vigilance and praised the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Austin Okafor, for the prompt response that led to the arrest and recovery of the alleged stolen materials.

The commissioner assured residents that the Ministry of Environment would sustain its collaboration with the police and other relevant agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute persons found to be connected with the alleged vandalisation of public assets.

He also called on market leaders, community stakeholders and residents across Anambra State to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving government infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.

Aguiyi reiterated that protecting public assets requires collective responsibility, urging Ndi Anambra to support government efforts to safeguard infrastructure provided for the benefit and safety of the people.

#