NSCDC Arrests 17 Suspects for Vandalizing Power and Telecom Installations in Yobe
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 suspects for allegedly vandalizing electrical power installations, telecommunications masts, and other critical infrastructure in Yobe State.
The operation, led by Commandant A.S. Dandaura, commander of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), was carried out in response to a marching order from NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who has declared zero tolerance for vandalism and economic sabotage. According to Commandant Dandaura, the NSCDC had recently intensified crackdowns on telecommunication equipment, power transmission facilities, rail tracks, and pipeline vandals.
Acting on intelligence, the squad raided three warehouses in Damaturu, Yobe State, suspected to be storage bases for vandalized telecom masts, power transmission, and rail track materials. The operation, which lasted for hours, uncovered three locations: Pilgrim Nassarawa Bypass, Dujiya behind New Market, and Abari Bypass. The squad is also on the trail of the alleged kingpin, Aliyu Ajakuta, known as ‘Chairman’ of the Scrap Dealers Association in the area.
The suspects apprehended at the scene include Umar Saiadu (17), Mohammed Salisu (25), Ali Adam (18), Ibrahim Mohammed (19), Mohammed Musa (20), Abdulhamid Mohammed (15), Hassan Dauda (18), Alhassan Yakubu (26), Mohammed Babagana (29), Mohammed Bashiru (18), Mohammed Bello (17), Adamu Abdullahi Usman (20), Mustapha Babagana (23), Tijani Bako (19), Bashiru Adam (18), and Lawal Salisu (19).
Recovered items from the crime scene include telecom masts, Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment, cabinet metal bags of armoured cables, large quantities of rail track slippers, solar panels, batteries, and ware pipes.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national infrastructure and vowed to prosecute those responsible for acts of vandalism without hesitation.
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