By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has arrested a 30-year-old suspected transformer vandal and recovered electrical materials estimated to be worth approximately ₦2 million at Janguza, Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, a native of Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, was apprehended by NSCDC operatives at a security checkpoint along Gwarzo Road at about 3:30 a.m.According to the Command, the suspect allegedly vandalised an electricity transformer and concealed the stolen components in a bag in an attempt to escape detection before he was intercepted by the security operatives.Items recovered from him included 16 metres of 300mm² armoured cable, six pieces of 300mm² electrical cables, one pair of pliers, a screwdriver and a knife.

The vandalised transformer components, including 25 litres of transformer oil, were valued at approximately ₦2 million.The Command disclosed that the suspect had reportedly confessed to the offence and was being detained for further investigation and subsequent prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Kano State Commandant of the Corps, Commandant Mohammed Hassan Agalama, reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure against vandalism, theft and other forms of economic sabotage.

Agalama warned individuals involved in the destruction and theft of public infrastructure to desist from such criminal activities, stressing that the Corps would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations to protect essential public utilities.He also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious activities, noting that public cooperation remained vital to preventing infrastructure vandalism and safeguarding electricity installations and other critical national assets.