NSCDC Arrests 21-Year-Old Over Alleged KEDCO Transformer Cable Vandalism in Jigawa

Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State have taken into custody a 21-year-old man amid allegations that he tried to steal armoured cables connected to a KEDCO transformer. According to the command, the episode took place at Dantanoma Quarters in Gumel Local Government Area at roughly 0420 hours on Monday, September 21, 2026, after a resident called NSCDC staff in Gumel to report suspicious people near the transformer site. Upon receiving the alert, CSC Bashir Yau, the Divisional Officer for Gumel, sent division personnel and the Anti-Vandalism Squad to the scene. When they arrived, the operatives reportedly found the suspects attempting to reach the transformer. Mubarak Adamu, 21, was arrested, while two others got away and are being sought by the Corps. ASC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement issued Tuesday, September 22. He said initial findings showed that the suspects allegedly used a cutlass to cut and take apart the protective wire fence around the transformer, which allowed them to get to the armoured cables. Three armoured cables, about 15 metres in total and valued at an estimated N2 million, were retrieved from the location. According to the spokesperson, during questioning the suspect allegedly gave information about other people thought to be linked to the vandalism. He named Musa and Binya, both still at large, as alleged accomplices, and identified Umar Fagge Babban Layi as an alleged receiver and buyer of stolen cables. The suspect also allegedly said he had been involved with Yusuf Asake, who is now in custody, in earlier vandalism incidents. Investigators also gathered information suggesting the suspects may have been connected to the vandalism of metal items at Government Technical School, Gumel. The suspect further alleged that members of the same group were involved in damaging a transformer at Dan Modi Housing Estate, Gumel, before NSCDC personnel drove them off. CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, the State Commandant, praised the resident whose prompt report helped make the operation successful. He restated the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding key national assets and infrastructure, especially electricity installations, from vandals and other criminal actors. He also called on the public to stay alert and keep providing prompt, accurate and trustworthy information about unusual activity near key infrastructure. The command said efforts are continuing to arrest the fleeing suspects and determine the full scope of their alleged involvement in damage to critical infrastructure in the area. It assured the public that all suspects would be given due process and prosecuted under the law once investigations are completed.