NSCDC arrests nine over alleged vandalism of power and railway infrastructure in Gombe

Nine suspects accused of vandalising electricity and railway infrastructure were paraded in Gombe after separate arrests across the state.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said the alleged offences involved electricity installations, railway materials and conductor cables. Among those paraded were scrap dealers, a motorcycle spare-parts dealer and motorcycle riders accused of receiving, transporting or directly taking part in the theft.

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Protection of infrastructure is the corps’ prerogative. We are warning all vandals to desist from the act.

The NSCDC linked some of the suspects’ activities to prolonged power outages affecting more than 30 communities in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area. One suspect, Abdulaziz Abubakar, was allegedly caught vandalising a transformer at Boderiyel in Bajoga. In a separate railway case, Inuwa Abubakar was arrested with 10 railway sleepers. Bashir Haruna was arrested over the alleged vandalism and theft of copper wires belonging to CAP Company, a cotton-processing firm.

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Residents should desist from the act and help the government in the protection of critical national assets.

NSCDC spokesman CSC Buhari Saad, representing State Commandant Jibrin Idris, warned those involved in vandalism to stop. “Protection of infrastructure is the corps’ prerogative. We are warning all vandals to desist from the act,” Idris said. He urged residents to remain vigilant and support efforts to protect public assets.

Aliyu Ibrahim, secretary of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, commended the arrests, saying they could help address recurring attacks on electricity infrastructure in the area.

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I want to congratulate the Civil Defence. This is very important to us.