The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yobe State has arrested 17 suspected vandals accused of destroying electrical power installations, telecommunications masts, and other critical infrastructure across the state.
Commander of the General’s Special Intelligence Squad, AS Dandaura, confirmed the arrests in Damaturu, the state capital, stating that they were made during a clearance operation that uncovered three warehouses used for storing stolen equipment.
According to Dandaura, a manhunt has been launched to track down the alleged mastermind of the syndicate, identified as Aliyu Ajakuta, who is also known as the “Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association” in the area.
The suspects, aged between 17 and 25, were found in possession of various stolen materials, including telecom mast components, Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment, bags of armored cables, rail track sleepers, solar panels, and batteries.
The vandalism of public infrastructure remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, causing severe economic losses. In 2023 alone, there were multiple reports of pipeline sabotage in the Niger Delta, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) estimating that oil theft and vandalism led to daily losses of hundreds of thousands of barrels.
Similarly, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has raised concerns over the increasing destruction of its electrical assets, warning that such activities hinder efforts to provide stable and reliable power to customers.
Data from the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) reveals that the country loses an estimated $1.5 billion annually due to oil theft and pipeline vandalism. This revenue shortfall affects the government’s ability to fund essential public services and infrastructure projects.
The recent arrests by the NSCDC in Yobe signal a crackdown on infrastructure vandalism, as authorities continue efforts to protect critical national assets from criminal activities.
