The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, has apprehended a 35-year-old man, Rayyanu Ibrahim, in connection with the alleged theft and vandalism of armoured cables at the Birnin-Kudu Township Water Station. According to the NSCDC, the incident occurred on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at about 4:00 a.m. The command's spokesman, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, disclosed that the Divisional Officer, Birnin-Kudu Division, CSC A. S. Adam, mobilised operatives to investigate the incident immediately after it was reported.
The operatives, acting on credible intelligence provided by the Birnin-Kudu Peace and Security Group, arrested Ibrahim at about 11:00 a.m. the same day. He was found with an armoured cable suspected to have been removed from the affected facility, which has been recovered as an exhibit. The NSCDC said Ibrahim reportedly confessed to his involvement in the incident during preliminary investigation and further disclosed his alleged involvement in other cases of armoured cable theft and vandalism within and outside Birnin-Kudu metropolis.
According to Ibrahim's statement, the stolen cables were being sold to scrap dealers. The NSCDC has consequently expanded the investigation to identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected to the alleged criminal activities, as well as establish the full extent of the damage and losses incurred. The command is working to determine the extent of the impact on the water station and the community.
The Jigawa State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, reiterated the Corps' determination to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly public utilities whose destruction or disruption has a direct impact on the lives and welfare of citizens. He emphasised the importance of protecting public infrastructure and urged members of the public to remain vigilant.
The public is encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities around critical infrastructure and other government facilities to the Corps or other relevant security agencies. This, the NSCDC believes, will help prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of citizens. The command is committed to working with the community to prevent vandalism and theft.
The suspect, Rayyanu Ibrahim, remains in custody as the investigation continues. The NSCDC stated that further action will be taken in accordance with extant laws once the investigation is completed. The command is working to ensure that those responsible for the vandalism are brought to justice.
The NSCDC's efforts to protect critical infrastructure and prevent vandalism are ongoing. The Corps is working closely with other security agencies and the community to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of citizens. The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the public.
Key points
- The NSCDC arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly stealing armoured cables at the Birnin-Kudu Township Water Station in Jigawa State.
- The suspect, Rayyanu Ibrahim, reportedly confessed to his involvement in the incident and disclosed his alleged involvement in other cases of armoured cable theft and vandalism.
- The NSCDC has expanded the investigation to identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected to the alleged criminal activities.
