The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 17 individuals for alleged vandalism of critical infrastructure, including electrical power installations, telecommunications masts, and rail track components, in Yobe State.
The arrests were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), led by Commandant Apollo Dandaura. According to NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, the operation was conducted in response to a directive from the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, who has declared zero tolerance for the destruction of public utilities and economic sabotage.
Dandaura detailed the extensive intelligence and surveillance efforts that led to the successful raid of three warehouses in Damaturu, where the vandalized materials were being stored. The identified locations included Pilgrim Nassarawa Bypass, Dujiya behind New Market, and Abari Bypass.
“The operation, which lasted several hours, uncovered large quantities of vandalized telecommunications and power transmission equipment, as well as rail track components,” Dandaura stated. “A manhunt has also been launched to track down the suspected ringleader, Aliyu Ajakuta, also known as ‘Chairman’ of the local Scrap Dealers Association.”
Arrests and Recovered Items
Among those arrested were individuals between the ages of 15 and 29. Recovered exhibits included:
- Telecom mast components
- Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment
- Armored cables
- Rail track slippers
- Solar panels and batteries
- Water pipes
Dandaura reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, stating, “We will not relent in our efforts to combat vandalism and ensure the security of government assets.”
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged accordingly.
