The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has arrested three men over the alleged theft and sale of electrical cables removed temporarily during road construction activities in Agbona Village, Iwo.
The suspects were identified as 60-year-old Taliatu Olunlade, 25-year-old Wasiu Olunlade, and 22-year-old Ganiyu Ayomide.
They were arrested on Friday, September 4, 2026, by NSCDC personnel from the command’s division at Agbona Village, Iwo.
The State Commandant, Toma Mathew Enya, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday at the Osun NSCDC headquarters in Osogbo.
Enya stated that the arrest followed investigations into the alleged theft and illegal sale of electrical cables, which he noted constitutes an offense with serious implications for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
According to Enya, the cables were temporarily removed around November 2025 to facilitate road construction in Agbona, a decision reportedly reached by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in collaboration with community leaders.
The removed cables were properly packaged and stored at a location close to the residence of Taliatu Olunlade for safekeeping.
However, after some months, the cables reportedly began to disappear gradually, prompting the command to commence an investigation that eventually led to the arrest of the three suspects.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly removed the electrical cables in stages and sold them to a metal scrap dealer and scavenger identified as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar,” who is currently at large.
The suspects allegedly confessed to selling the stolen cables to Aminu on two separate occasions for a total of ₦100,000. Efforts have been intensified to apprehend Aminu as the investigation remains ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court at its conclusion.
Enya emphasized that strengthening the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure remains a top priority, alongside deeper collaboration with relevant stakeholders across the state.
He warned individuals involved in the vandalism, theft, or illegal trading of government infrastructure to desist, stating that the NSCDC Osun State Command under his watch will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations.
He also appealed to residents to provide timely and credible information regarding suspicious activities targeting public assets.