NSCDC arrests suspected cable vandals in Kwara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, on Thursday said it has arrested two suspected vandals over the alleged vandalisation of transformer cables and other electricity infrastructure in the Tanke-Iledu area of Ilorin.

The suspects, identified as 20-year-old Nurah Abdullahi, popularly known as Hartabo, and Sherif Abdullahi, 23, were arrested following credible intelligence received by the command.

The command said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out by its operatives in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects included vandalised transformer cables, cable outer and inner peels, a Bajaj motorcycle, a saw, a knife and a pair of electrical gloves, among other materials.

According to the NSCDC, preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly linked to the vandalisation of electricity infrastructure within the Tanke-Iledu community.

The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other persons suspected to be involved in the alleged vandalism.

The State Commandant, Abbas Ndah Mohammed, thanked the operatives for their commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure across Kwara State.

Mohammed warned that the state would not be allowed to become a safe haven for vandals, criminals and economic saboteurs.

He said the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to identify, arrest and investigate persons involved in activities threatening public safety and critical infrastructure.

He also urged individuals involved in the vandalisation of public infrastructure to desist from such acts, stressing that the command remained committed to protecting government assets and safeguarding the socio-economic wellbeing of residents.

The command said the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigation and establishment of a prima facie case, in accordance with the law.