NSCDC apprehends two suspects for vandalism in Kwara

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State have arrested two individuals suspected of stealing and vandalizing electrical materials belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The arrests are considered a significant breakthrough in combating economic sabotage in the region.

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The suspects were arrested at a mechanic workshop in the Zango area near Oke-Andi Junction, after Bravo Filling Station in Ilorin, where they were allegedly dismantling electrical materials suspected to have been stolen from the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

The suspects, identified as Ishaq Kazeem, 43, and Abubakar Jubril, 41, were apprehended on July 10 during an intelligence-led operation. According to the NSCDC State Commandant, Abbas Mohammed, the suspects were caught at a mechanic workshop in Ilorin dismantling electrical materials believed to have been stolen from the TCN Regional Store in Jebba.

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Following credible intelligence, our operatives stormed the location and caught the suspects allegedly using a grinding machine and a sledgehammer to dismantle the electrical materials and extract iron components.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the brand-new electrical equipment was unlawfully removed from the Jebba store before being transported to Ilorin. There, the suspects allegedly used a grinding machine and a sledgehammer to dismantle the materials for sale as scrap. Recovered exhibits include a DAF truck, a mini truck, brand-new and vandalized insulation materials, metal conductor poles, iron bars, a generator, a grinding machine, and other electrical components.

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I have declared war against vandals, economic saboteurs and all criminal elements bent on undermining the efforts of government and threatening our critical national assets and infrastructure.

Commandant Mohammed declared a strong stance against vandals and economic saboteurs, emphasizing that there will be "no hiding place for criminals in Kwara State." He assured that the NSCDC would continue deploying intelligence-driven operations to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in vandalism and the theft of government property. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate, with a commitment to bringing all involved parties to justice.

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Under my watch, there will be no hiding place for criminals in Kwara State. The Command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute anyone found engaging in acts of vandalism, theft of government property or any other criminal activity.