By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspected members of a cable vandalism syndicate and recovered stolen electricity power line cables during a security operation in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.

The arrests, according to the Command, were made during a coordinated operation carried out by NSCDC operatives in collaboration with the Utagba Ogbe Vigilante Group as part of ongoing efforts to combat the vandalisation of critical national assets and infrastructure across Delta State.

The suspects identified by the Command are Mbube Godwin Anioh, 20; Ekeanys Onyemechinyi, 19; Muhammadu Atamnu, 37; Chibuke Anah Ehiya, 20; and Nworomu Ekpede, 17.

Security sources disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports linking the suspects to the destruction and theft of electricity power line cables and other components of public power infrastructure within the area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the vandalisation, possession, purchase and distribution of stolen electricity cables, activities authorities described as economic sabotage capable of disrupting electricity supply and causing significant losses to government and utility providers.

During the raid, operatives recovered a substantial quantity of vandalised electricity cables and other electrical materials believed to have been removed from power installations. The recovered items have been secured as exhibits for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Command said efforts were underway to track down other members of the criminal network, including individuals suspected of purchasing, concealing and trading in stolen power infrastructure materials.

NSCDC authorities stressed that the destruction of critical infrastructure remains a major threat to economic development and public service delivery, warning that those engaged in such activities would not escape justice.

The State Command assured residents that all suspects found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the Corps remains committed to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

The Command also commended the Utagba Ogbe Vigilante Group for its support and cooperation during the operation, noting that community participation continues to play a vital role in strengthening security and intelligence gathering.

According to the NSCDC, partnerships between security agencies and local communities have become increasingly important in identifying criminal elements and preventing attacks on public facilities.

Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around power installations, telecommunications facilities, pipelines and other critical infrastructure to security agencies.

The Command reiterated its determination to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in vandalism and warned that anyone found engaging in the theft, purchase or sale of stolen public infrastructure would be arrested and prosecuted.

The latest arrests are part of the NSCDC’s broader nationwide campaign against the vandalisation of critical national assets, a crime that continues to affect electricity distribution, economic productivity and public service delivery in many parts of the country.