17 arrested for vandalising telecom installations in Yobe

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 17 suspects in connection with the vandalism of telecommunications masts and power installations in Yobe State.

The arrests were made by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, led by Commandant AS Dandaura, following a series of intelligence operations aimed at curbing the rising cases of vandalism in the region.

Dandaura, in a statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the operation was carried out based on directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, who had expressed a zero-tolerance policy for all acts of vandalism and sabotage of critical national infrastructure.

The crackdown targeted individuals involved in the destruction of telecommunication equipment, power transmission lines, rail, and pipeline infrastructure.

Dandaura explained that the operation focused on three warehouses in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, where the stolen items were stored.

Intelligence gathered earlier indicated that these locations were used as storage bases for vandalised telecommunications masts, power transmission equipment, and rail track gadgets.

According to the statement, the warehouses were located at the Pilgrim Nasarawa Bypass, Dujiya behind the new market, and Abari Bypass in Damaturu.

“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 vandalised telecom masts, power transmission and rail track gadgets within the crime scene.

“The clearance operation which took hours led to the uncovering of three warehouses located at the Pilgrim Nasarawa Byepass in Damaturu, another one at Dujiya behind the new market while the third warehouse was uncovered at the Abari bypass also in Damaturu.

“We have deployed a manhunt team to trail the kingpin named Aliyu Ajakuta who is also known as the Chairman, Scrap Dealers Association in the area,” Dandaura was quoted as saying.

The operation, which lasted for several hours, resulted in the recovery of various stolen items, including telecom masts, Base Transceiver Stations, armoured cables, rail track slippers, solar panels, batteries, and other materials.

The arrested suspects include individuals ranging in age from 15 to 29 years old. Among those apprehended were Umar Saiadu, Mohammed Salisu, Ali Adam, Ibrahim Mohammed, and several others.

The NSCDC pledged to continue its investigation and ensure that those involved in the destruction of national infrastructure were brought to justice.