The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two men accused of vandalising armoured electricity cables belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). The suspects, Jonah Bako, 30, and Abdullahi Yunusa, 40, were arrested in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of the state. According to the NSCDC, the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) handed over the suspects to the corps on November 2 for further investigation and prosecution.
The NSCDC stated that preliminary investigations revealed that Bako vandalised IBEDC's armoured cables, stripped away the outer covering, and extracted the copper wires for sale. Yunusa, a resident of Lokoja, was arrested at Egbe where he had travelled to purchase the materials from Bako. The statement read that investigators found Yunusa had allegedly bought stolen items from Bako on earlier occasions, indicating a recurring pattern of dealings between the two men.
The two suspects may be arraigned over allegations of criminal conspiracy, vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure, and receiving stolen property, once investigations into the case are concluded. The NSCDC stressed that the suspects' actions undermine economic development and disrupt essential services. The command also commended the KSVS for its timely intervention and cooperation with the corps in combating crime and protecting critical national infrastructure.
The Kogi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Aletan Olumide Ebenezer, urged young people in society to pursue lawful means of livelihood and avoid criminal activity, particularly the vandalism of public infrastructure. Ebenezer reiterated the determination of the command to deepen collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to tackle criminality across the state. He emphasized the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure to ensure economic development and essential services.
The arrested suspects' actions are part of a larger problem of vandalism and theft in the region. The NSCDC and other security agencies have been working to combat crime and protect critical national infrastructure. The corps has been collaborating with other stakeholders to tackle criminality and ensure the safety of citizens.
The NSCDC's efforts to combat crime and protect critical national infrastructure have been commended by various stakeholders. The corps has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of citizens and protect public infrastructure. The arrest of the two suspects is a significant achievement in the fight against vandalism and theft.
The NSCDC has warned that it will continue to work with other security agencies and stakeholders to tackle criminality across the state. The corps has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities and to support efforts to combat crime and protect critical national infrastructure. The NSCDC remains committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and protecting public infrastructure.
Key points
- The NSCDC arrested two men for vandalising armoured electricity cables and trading in stolen materials in Kogi state.
- The suspects may be arraigned over allegations of criminal conspiracy, vandalism, and receiving stolen property.
- The NSCDC has commended the KSVS for its timely intervention and cooperation in combating crime.
