NSCDC arrests cable vandal in Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 35-year-old man, Rayyanu Ibrahim, for stealing and vandalism of armoured cables in Jigawa State.
The suspect, who was foynd in possession of the items, was apprehended after removing armoured cables from an electrical installation at a water facility.
An armoured cable suspected to have been taken from the site was recovered from him as an exhibit.
It was gathered on Monday that the incident occurred at the Birnin-Kudu Township Water Station in Birnin-Kudu, where the facility was reportedly vandalised around 4:00 a.m. yesterday.
According to the NSCDC, operatives of the Birnin-Kudu Division launched an investigation after receiving a report about the damage to the facility.
The command’s spokesman, ASC Badruddeen Mahmud, said the Divisional Officer, CSC A. S. Adam, mobilised personnel following the report and intelligence provided by the Birnin-Kudu Peace and Security Group.
Mahmud said the operatives arrested Ibrahim at about 11:00 a.m. on the same day, adding that preliminary investigation linked him to the alleged cable theft.
The command said the suspect also disclosed his alleged involvement in other armoured cable theft and vandalism incidents within and outside Birnin-Kudu.
He reportedly told investigators that the stolen cables were sold to scrap dealers.
NSCDC said the investigation had been expanded to establish whether other individuals were involved and determine the extent of damage caused to the affected infrastructure.
The Jigawa State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, said the Corps remained committed to protecting critical infrastructure, particularly public utilities whose disruption could affect residents.
Ingawa urged residents to report suspicious activities around government facilities and other critical infrastructure to the NSCDC or relevant security agencies.
The suspect remains in custody as investigation continues, with the command expected to take further action in line with the law.