Three staff members from the Bayelsa State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity have been arrested for allegedly stealing government equipment worth over N500 million.

The suspects, identified as Wadi Igiran, Nikade Sunday, and Azabia Yakie, were apprehended after a complaint was filed by a ministry official who discovered missing assets during an inspection of the ministry’s equipment store.The stolen items included a 110 KVA Perkins generator, forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines, and other equipment.Police confirmed that the forklift has been recovered and is in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).The suspects have confessed to the crime, and they will be charged in court following the investigation's conclusion.The arrest highlights the state police’s commitment to protecting government property and combating economic crimes.Additionally, two other suspects were arrested for vandalizing the Angiama Oporoma bridge, which was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu.These incidents underscore ongoing efforts to address theft and vandalism in Bayelsa State.