NSCDC Arrests Scrap Dealer in Jigawa Over Vandalized Electric Cables
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested a suspected scrap dealer in Jigawa State after he was allegedly found in possession of vandalized electric cables believed to have been removed from public power infrastructure.
According to security officials, the arrest was made during a patrol operation aimed at preventing vandalism of critical national assets, particularly electricity installations that serve communities in the state.
Authorities said the suspect was intercepted while transporting several pieces of electric cables suspected to have been illegally removed from power facilities. The cables were reportedly discovered during routine surveillance by officers who were monitoring activities in areas known for infrastructure vandalism.
The NSCDC explained that protecting national infrastructure remains one of its core responsibilities, especially as cases of cable theft and vandalism continue to disrupt electricity supply across many parts of Nigeria.
Officials revealed that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations into the source of the cables and the possible involvement of other individuals.
Security experts say vandalism of power installations has become a major concern because criminals often target copper and aluminum components found in electricity facilities. These materials can easily be sold to scrap dealers who melt them down for resale.
As a result, authorities believe that some scrap dealers unintentionally or deliberately encourage vandalism by purchasing materials from thieves without verifying their origin.
According to the NSCDC, the recovered cables will be examined by investigators to determine where they were removed from and whether they belong to government electricity infrastructure.
Officials added that the arrest may help authorities uncover a wider network of individuals involved in the theft and illegal trade of power equipment.
Electricity infrastructure vandalism has repeatedly caused major disruptions in Nigeria’s power sector. Damaged cables, transformers, and other components often lead to prolonged power outages that affect homes, businesses, hospitals, and public institutions.
Security agencies have therefore intensified efforts to combat such crimes through surveillance operations, arrests, and public awareness campaigns.
The NSCDC has also warned scrap dealers across the country to be cautious when purchasing metal materials, stressing that anyone found in possession of vandalized government property could face prosecution.
Community members have been encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities around power installations and other critical infrastructure.
Authorities say public support is essential in tackling crimes that threaten essential services such as electricity supply.
Meanwhile, residents in Jigawa State have welcomed the arrest, expressing hope that stronger enforcement actions will discourage individuals involved in infrastructure vandalism.
Security officials reiterated that operations will continue across the state as part of broader efforts to protect national assets and maintain stable electricity distribution.
The NSCDC assured the public that individuals responsible for damaging or trading in vandalized infrastructure would be identified and brought to justice as investigations into the case proceed.
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