The suspects, Samson Akintola, Muhammed Zakariya, Mohammed Monsur, Ibrahim Hamida, and Kabir Abubakar were apprehended in a joint operation conducted by NSCDC operatives from the Tanke Division and the Tanke Community Vigilante Group. The arrest took place around 1 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

According to a statement from the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Shola, the suspects were intercepted while in possession of vandalized transformer and streetlight cables. These cables are believed to have been stolen from the Asa Dam and Sapati areas of Ilorin.

The items recovered from the suspects included damaged transformer cables, streetlight cables, and burnt copper wires.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in the deliberate vandalization and theft of public electrical infrastructure. This is a violation of Section 1(9) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The suspects are currently in custody, and the NSCDC confirmed they will be charged in court once investigations are concluded. Efforts are also underway to apprehend additional individuals linked to the crime.

The NSCDC’s State Commandant, Umar Mohammed, spoke to newsmen about the arrest, emphasizing the severe consequences of vandalizing public infrastructure. He pointed out that such acts not only hinder development but also contribute to power outages and increased insecurity in affected communities.

“We are committed to protecting all critical national assets and infrastructure in Kwara State, let this serve as a strong warning to others: those caught sabotaging public utilities will face the full wrath of the law.”

The NSCDC remains resolute in its mission to safeguard critical infrastructure and bring those responsible for vandalism and theft to justice.

Source: Punch