The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Katsina State Command has apprehended a 60-year-old man, Hassan Abdullahi, on charges of vandalizing high-tension electric wires.
The spokesperson for the State NSCDC Command, DSP Buhari Hamisu, provided details during a press briefing in Katsina.
Hamisu reported that Abdullahi, from Lasanawa village in Maska, Funtua Local Government Area, was arrested by the NSCDC personnel of the Funtua Division.
“The special Anti-vandal patrol team attached to Funtua division, successfully apprehended the suspect,” he said.
The suspect was transferred to the state command headquarters for further investigation.
“Abubakar is a suspected vandal of high-tension electric cables belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and theft,” Hamisu added.
During questioning, Abdullahi admitted to the crime, revealing that on August 28, 2024, he had climbed high-tension electric poles on the village’s outskirts and vandalized the wires.
“He also disclosed that he removed different items, packed some of the items in bags and headed to scrap dealers at Funtua town,” Hamisu stated.
Further inquiries showed that Abdullahi had attempted to sell the items to two scrap dealers in Funtua town, who refused to purchase them.
Recovered items from the suspect include angle iron, Channel iron, pension clamp, strap, isolator handle, and scattered disc insulator.
Additionally, the exhibits comprise an adaptor socket, bolts and nuts, J-huck, spindles, electric aluminum conductors, spanner, pinches, and iron rod.
The police spokespsrson noted that after the investigation, Abdullahi would be charged in a competent court.
He urged the public to adhere to the law and thanked them for their cooperation.
“The command would not relent in its commitments to uncover all the activities of vandals, economic saboteurs, and other criminals in the state,” he emphasized.
The NSCDC in Katsina remains dedicated to maintaining peace and ensuring a secure environment for residents, calling for continued support and timely intelligence from the community.
