The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has apprehended 19 individuals accused of vandalising critical national assets and infrastructure in different parts of the state.
State Commandant, Mr. Bala Bawa-Bodinga, disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Kano. He said the arrests were part of ongoing operations to curb vandalism and protect essential public utilities.
According to him, the suspects were picked up during intelligence-led patrols in Madobi, Tudunwada, Gwale, Minjibir, and Kumbotso Local Government Areas. They were allegedly involved in tampering with electrical installations, communication cables, drainage slabs, and other public assets.
“The operation was based on credible intelligence and swift action by our Area Commands, Divisional Officers, and the Department of Operations and Critical National Assets,” Bawa-Bodinga explained.
Items recovered from the suspects included rolls of aluminium and armoured cables valued at several thousands of naira, 6.1kg of transformer cables, two rolls of suck-and-die, a motorcycle, a broken soldering iron, rubber solution, a short spear, knives, shovels, and diggers.
Bawa-Bodinga described vandalism as a form of economic sabotage that threatens lives and undermines development. He stressed that the NSCDC, as the lead agency for protecting national assets, would remain firm in executing its mandate.
“We are intensifying patrols, strengthening intelligence networks, and working closely with other security agencies, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and the media,” he added.
The commandant further confirmed that the suspects had been profiled and investigated, and would be charged in court to serve as a deterrent to others.
He appealed to residents to support the Corps by providing timely information that could help safeguard lives, property, and public infrastructure.