The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, has thwarted an attempt by suspected vandals to dismantle critical infrastructure at the Tinapa Entertainment Centre in Calabar, recovering several pieces of equipment used in the operation.
The incident occurred at the industrial transformer located opposite the Glo Tower within the Tinapa Resort complex. According to the command, vigilant operatives intercepted a group of suspected vandals allegedly attempting to remove heavy metal components from the facility.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Unit on Wednesday said the suspects arrived with industrial-grade tools designed for cutting through thick steel and other critical infrastructure.
Upon sighting NSCDC personnel, the suspects reportedly fled the scene. During the ensuing pursuit, one of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound to the leg while attempting to scale the perimeter fence. The injured suspect reportedly fell into a swamp behind the facility but was rescued by his accomplices, who escaped through the Tinapa waterways in a waiting speedboat.
The command said the suspects abandoned several tools and already severed metal components as they fled.
Items recovered at the scene include an industrial gas cylinder, specialised heavy-metal cutting hoses and nozzles, screwdrivers, and other dismantling implements.
Reacting to the development, the Cross River State Commandant of the NSCDC, Okarazu Chima, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism in protecting critical national assets.
He called on residents, community leaders and the state government to remain vigilant, particularly those living around the Tinapa waterways and neighbouring riverine communities.
The commandant also appealed to public and private hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, traditional healers and bone setters to report any individual seeking treatment for gunshot injuries to the nearest NSCDC office or other security agencies.
According to him, intelligence gathered from such reports could assist security operatives in tracking down members of the criminal syndicate and bringing them to justice.
The NSCDC assured residents that its Anti-Vandalism Squad and Marine Units remain on heightened alert and fully deployed to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.