The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded seven male suspects aged between 27 and 44 for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure, theft of armoured and transformer cables, as well as the stealing of lithium batteries and RRU inverter cables across different parts of the state.
Speaking during the parade at the Command Headquarters in Alausa on Monday, June 29, 2026, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, FNARC, disclosed that the arrests were made following a series of intelligence-led operations and sustained community engagements with stakeholders across the state.
According to the Commandant, the Command received credible intelligence from the Okun Ajah Community and Proton Security Ltd regarding the vandalism of MTN armoured cables. Acting swiftly on the information, NSCDC operatives arrested two suspects at about 2:51 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
During the operation, the operatives recovered vandalised armoured cables and a shuttle bus, popularly known as “Korope,” with registration number MUS 109 YH (Benue State), which was allegedly used in carrying out the criminal activity.
Commandant Keshinro revealed that two additional suspects connected to the cable vandalism are currently at large. He assured that the Command would continue its manhunt until all those involved are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The Command will not relent in its efforts to track down every individual connected to this act of economic sabotage. Those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he stated.
In a related development, NSCDC operatives arrested another suspect in Sogunle on June 26, 2026, for allegedly vandalising transformer cables.
Similarly, a suspect was apprehended on Orchid Road, Lekki, for allegedly stealing eight lithium batteries. The Command said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
The Command also confirmed that a suspect arrested on April 7, 2026, in Banana Island for the theft of an RRU inverter cable is currently being prosecuted.
Among those paraded were three Togolese nationals, including two former members of the Togolese Army, who allegedly deserted military service in their country and entered Nigeria illegally through the Badagry axis of Lagos State. The suspects were apprehended by NSCDC operatives during routine surveillance operations.
The Command stated that the appropriate procedures have been initiated to transfer the deserters to the relevant government agency for further investigation and necessary action.
Additionally, other suspects arrested in connection with illegal migration offences have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further processing.
Commandant Keshinro reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Command to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, warning vandals and other criminal elements to desist from acts of economic sabotage or face the full weight of the law.
He stressed that the destruction and theft of public infrastructure inflict severe economic losses on the nation and subject innocent citizens to hardship, disruption of essential services, and avoidable suffering.