By Adeyanju Esther
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Katsina State has apprehended a 60-year-old man on suspicion of vandalising high-tension electric wires.
DSP Buhari Hamisu, the command’s spokesman, shared this information with the media during the suspect’s parade in the state.
DSP Buhari Hamisu stated that Hassan Abdullahi was arrested by the NSCDC personnel from the Funtua Division. The special Anti-Vandal Patrol Team, which is part of the Funtua Division, successfully apprehended Abdullahi in Lasanawa village, Maska, within the Funtua Local Government Area.
The suspect was subsequently transferred to the state command headquarters for further investigation.
Abubakar is suspected of vandalising high-tension electric cables owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and involvement in theft.
“During the investigation, the suspect admitted to the crimes and stated that on August 28, 2024, he went to the outskirts of the village, climbed high-tension electric poles, and vandalised the wires.
“He also revealed that he removed various items, packed some of them in bags, and took them to scrap dealers in Funtua town,” Hamisu said.
According to him, “further investigation revealed that the suspect met two scrap dealers in Funtua town who refused to buy the items from him.”
Hamisu noted that further investigation showed the suspect approached two scrap dealers in Funtua town, who declined to purchase the items.
The recovered exhibits from the suspect included angle iron, channel iron, pension clamp, strap, isolator handle, and scattered disc insulator.
Also, other items found were an adaptor socket, bolts and nuts, J-hook, spindles, electric aluminium conductors, spanner, pliers, and iron rod.
Hamisu added that the suspect would be prosecuted in a competent court once the investigation is complete. He urged the citizens of Katsina State to adhere to laws and regulations to ensure public safety.
The NSCDC spokesman emphasised that the command remains steadfast in its efforts to uncover and address the activities of vandals, economic saboteurs, and other criminals within the state.
He reassured the public of the NSCDC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining security and order.
Hamisu expressed gratitude to the public for their ongoing cooperation with the corps. He called for increased support by providing actionable and timely intelligence to aid in uncovering the activities of miscreants in the state.
He assured that the command is committed to maintaining a peaceful environment for the residents of Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole.