Kano, Nigeria: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 19 individuals in Kano State over alleged involvement in vandalism of critical infrastructure.
The suspects were apprehended during targeted operations aimed at curbing the destruction of public assets, including power installations, pipelines, and telecommunications equipment.
The State Commandant of the Corps, Mr Bala Bawa-Bodinga, disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Kano.
He stated that the arrests were part of sustained operations against vandals and other criminal elements that undermine the safety of critical assets and infrastructure in the state.
Bawa-Bodinga explained that the suspects were arrested in Madobi, Tudunwada, Gwale, Minjibir and Kumbotso Local Government Areas of the state following intelligence-led patrols and surveillance.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended while engaging in unlawful activities such as tampering with electrical installations, communication cables, drainage slabs, illegal substances and other public utilities.
“The arrest followed credible intelligence and swift response by our Area Commands, Divisional Officers and the Department of Operations and Critical National Assets,” he said.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects, he said, include rolls of aluminium and armoured cables worth tens of thousands of naira, as well as 6.1kg of transformer cables.
Other exhibits include two rolls of suck-and-die, a short spear, a rubber solution, a motorcycle, a broken soldering iron, five shovels, five diggers, and a knife.
Bawa-Bodinga warned that vandalism of public utilities amounted to economic sabotage, endangering lives and hampering development.
He assured that the NSCDC, as the lead agency mandated to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, would remain resolute in discharging its duties.
“We will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, intensify patrols and collaborate with sister security agencies, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and the media,” he said.
The commandant stated that the suspects had been profiled, investigated, and would be prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
He urged members of the public to provide timely and valuable information to assist the corps in curbing crimes and safeguarding critical infrastructure in the state.
“The NSCDC will not relent in its duty to protect lives, property and infrastructure for the overall peace and development of the state,” Bawa-Bodinga added.
