The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 individuals suspected of vandalizing telecommunications installations and power infrastructure in Yobe State. The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad.
The operation, led by Commandant AS Dandaura, was initiated under the directives of the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, who has expressed a strict stance against the destruction of critical national assets. The crackdown aimed to curb rising cases of vandalism affecting telecom networks, power transmission lines, railway infrastructure, and pipelines in the region.
Dandaura, in a statement issued by NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale, noted that the operation uncovered three warehouses in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, where stolen telecom and power equipment were stored. Intelligence reports had earlier revealed that these locations were being used as storage facilities for vandalized infrastructure.
“Acting on the CG’s marching order, we raided three separate warehouses in Damaturu, Yobe State, as we earlier gathered intelligence that there were storage bases for vandalized telecom masts, power transmission, and rail track gadgets within the crime scene,” Dandaura was quoted as saying.
The warehouses were located in different parts of the city, including Pilgrim Nasarawa Bypass, Dujiya behind the new market, and Abari Bypass. During the operation, security operatives seized several stolen items, including telecommunications masts, Base Transceiver Stations, armoured cables, rail track slippers, solar panels, batteries, and other materials.
Authorities also revealed that a manhunt has been launched for the suspected mastermind of the vandalism, identified as Aliyu Ajakuta, popularly known as the “Chairman” of the Scrap Dealers Association in the area. Security personnel are currently tracking his movements to ensure his arrest.
The arrested suspects, aged between 15 and 29, include individuals such as Umar Saiadu, Mohammed Salisu, Ali Adam, Ibrahim Mohammed, and several others. Investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about their network and possible accomplices.
