The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Command, has arrested a 23-year-old suspected transformer vandal, Akoji Jonah, for his alleged involvement in the vandalisation of an AEDC transformer armoured cable in Abocho Community.
The Command said the arrest marked another operational success in its ongoing campaign against crimes targeting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.
The suspect was arrested on Thursday during a routine patrol by NSCDC operatives in Abocho Community following credible intelligence provided by the community leadership.
According to the Command, the arrest was made possible through the existing collaboration between the Corps and residents of the area.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed that he acted in collaboration with one Abdulazeez, whose full identity is yet to be established and who is currently at large.
He told investigators that the fleeing suspect brought the vandalised armoured cable to him for disposal and that he was arrested while attempting to conceal the cable in a nearby bush.
State Commandant, Aletan Ebenezer, commended the vigilance and cooperation of the Abocho Community, describing community partnership as a critical tool in combating offences affecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
He assured residents of Kogi State that the Command would not relent in its efforts to protect public infrastructure and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
The Commandant added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, while the arrested suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The NSCDC called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, the Command urged residents to remain security conscious and report suspicious activities, stressing the need for citizens to “see something and say something.”