Gombe NSCDC nabs two suspects over theft and vandalism of electricity transmission cables, intensifying protection of critical infrastructure.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has apprehended an octogenarian and a teenager over their alleged involvement in the vandalisation of electricity transmission cables within the state.
The suspects, identified as Salisu Muhammad, 84, a scrap dealer residing at Anguwa Idi, and Muhammad Tahiru Babayo, 14, a welder and fabricator from Anguwa Dawaki, were arrested following intelligence reports that led operatives of the corps to Salisu’s shop located in Anguwa Uku, where the vandalised items were discovered.
According to the command, several meters of aluminium transmission cables belonging to power infrastructure were recovered during the operation.
The NSCDC emphasised that the cables form part of critical national assets that criminals have increasingly targeted in recent times, thereby sabotaging the delivery of essential services to the public.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, September 1, 2025, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintendent of Corps Buhari Saad, who represented the State Commandant, Jibril Idris, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that the suspects would face prosecution.
“These two individuals were directly involved in the act of vandalism. They were caught with critical national assets — electricity transmission cables.
“Their actions are illegal, and as such, they will be charged to court for vandalism and unlawful possession of vandalised items,” he stated.
The NSCDC boss noted that the arrests were in line with the command’s renewed operational strategy aimed at safeguarding national infrastructure from saboteurs.
He explained that vandals of electricity facilities, pipelines, and other government-owned assets not only cause huge financial losses but also disrupt essential services that citizens depend upon daily.
In his words: “We want to strongly warn vandals to steer clear of Gombe State. Our operatives are on high alert, and we will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone caught engaging in such criminal activities.
“We are determined, but we also call on the public to support us by reporting suspicious movements and activities.
“Security personnel are not spirits; we cannot be everywhere at once, but with the cooperation of the people, we can rid our communities of these acts of sabotage.”
The commandant reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC to collaborate with other security agencies and community leaders in the fight against vandalism.
He described the crime as an act of economic sabotage that undermines national development and deprives citizens of essential social services such as electricity supply.
Meanwhile, the corps assured that thorough investigations were ongoing to determine whether the suspects were acting independently or as part of a larger network of vandals who trade in stolen power cables.
The NSCDC urged residents across Gombe to be vigilant and to see the protection of public facilities as a collective responsibility.
The corps further promised to intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering across the state to deter future incidents.
With this latest arrest, the Gombe Command reaffirmed its stance that vandalism of public utilities will no longer be tolerated, regardless of the age or status of the perpetrators.