The Edo State Task Force for the Protection of Government Property has arrested a suspect caught attempting to steal iron materials from the premises of the defunct Bendel Brewery in Benin City.
The arrest was made during a routine surveillance patrol by the Task Force, which is mandated to monitor, secure, and safeguard state-owned assets. The suspect was reportedly caught in the act while dismantling materials from the property, which remains under the ownership of the Edo State Government.
Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Area Command in Oregbeni, where he is currently being held for questioning and further investigation.
Officials say the operation reflects the state government’s firm resolve to curb theft, vandalism, and illegal encroachment on public infrastructure. The Task Force has since submitted a formal report of the incident to the relevant authorities for documentation and further administrative action.
“This arrest reinforces our zero-tolerance stance on the destruction and theft of government property,” a Task Force official stated. “We will continue to act swiftly and decisively to protect public investments across the state.”
The government is currently ramping up efforts to restore public confidence by tightening security around abandoned or underutilized state facilities—many of which have previously suffered neglect, vandalism, or unauthorized occupation.
Authorities commended the alertness and professionalism of the monitoring team involved in the arrest, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around government properties.
The Edo State Government reiterated its call for greater civic responsibility in safeguarding public assets, emphasizing that community collaboration remains key to ensuring accountability and sustainable development.
The Edo State Task Force for the Protection of Government Property has arrested a suspect caught attempting to steal iron materials from the premises of the defunct Bendel Brewery in Benin City.
The arrest was made during a routine surveillance patrol by the Task Force, which is mandated to monitor, secure, and safeguard state-owned assets. The suspect was reportedly caught in the act while dismantling materials from the property, which remains under the ownership of the Edo State Government.
Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Area Command in Oregbeni, where he is currently being held for questioning and further investigation.
Officials say the operation reflects the state government’s firm resolve to curb theft, vandalism, and illegal encroachment on public infrastructure. The Task Force has since submitted a formal report of the incident to the relevant authorities for documentation and further administrative action.
“This arrest reinforces our zero-tolerance stance on the destruction and theft of government property,” a Task Force official stated. “We will continue to act swiftly and decisively to protect public investments across the state.”
The government is currently ramping up efforts to restore public confidence by tightening security around abandoned or underutilized state facilities—many of which have previously suffered neglect, vandalism, or unauthorized occupation.
Authorities commended the alertness and professionalism of the monitoring team involved in the arrest, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around government properties.
The Edo State Government reiterated its call for greater civic responsibility in safeguarding public assets, emphasizing that community collaboration remains key to ensuring accountability and sustainable development.
