NSCDC nabs five over transformer, streetlight cable theft in Kwara
The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested five suspected vandals for allegedly stealing transformer and streetlight cables in the Tanke area of Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspects Samson Akintola (21), Muhammed Zakariya (19), Mohammed Monsur (20), Ibrahim Hamida (19), and Kabir Abubakar (24) were apprehended around 1 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during a joint operation between NSCDC operatives from the Tanke Division and members of the Tanke Community Vigilante Group.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, ASC I Ayoola Shola, the suspects were caught with vandalised transformer and streetlight cables, believed to have been stolen from the Asa Dam and Sapati areas of Ilorin.
“Items recovered include vandalised transformer cables, streetlight cables, and burnt copper wires,” the statement said.
Shola added that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects’ involvement in willful vandalism and theft of public electrical installations, offences contrary to Section 1(9) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“They are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations,” he noted, adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices.
Reacting to the development, the State Commandant, Dr Umar Mohammed, warned against acts of vandalism, stressing that such crimes undermine development and expose communities to blackout and insecurity.
“We are committed to protecting all critical national assets and infrastructure in Kwara State,” Mohammed said. “Let this serve as a warning anyone caught sabotaging public utilities will face the full wrath of the law.”
The Command also reiterated its readiness to work with community vigilantes and residents to safeguard public installations across the state.
Recent similar arrests have been made by NSCDC commands in Kano and the Federal Capital Territory, as the Corps intensifies its clampdown on vandals targeting critical infrastructure nationwide.