The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano has arrested 19 suspects over alleged vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
State Commandant of the Corps, Bala Bawa-Bodinga, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters on Wednesday.
He said the suspects were picked up in Madobi, Tudunwada, Gwale, Minjibir and Kumbotso local government areas following intelligence-led patrols and surveillance.
According to him, the suspects were caught tampering with electrical installations, communication cables, drainage slabs, transformer parts and other public utilities.
“The arrest followed credible intelligence and swift response by our Area Commands, Divisional Officers and the Department of Operations and Critical National Assets,” Bawa-Bodinga said.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include rolls of aluminium and armoured cables, 6.1kg of transformer cables, two rolls of suck-and-die, a short spear, rubber solution, a motorcycle, a broken soldering iron, five shovels, five diggers and a knife.
Bawa-Bodinga described vandalism as an act of economic sabotage that hampers development and endangers lives, stressing that the corps would not relent in protecting national assets.
“We will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, intensify patrols and collaborate with sister security agencies, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and the media,” he added.
He said the suspects had been profiled and would face prosecution after investigation, urging residents to assist the corps with timely information to curb crimes and protect public infrastructure.
NAN