The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a 22-year-old man, Abdulrahman Ali, over the alleged vandalism of an armoured electricity cable supplying the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited depot in Gombe State.
The corps also recovered 968.4 metres of aluminium power transmission cables allegedly vandalised and abandoned by suspected criminals in Lubo-Zambuk, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of the state.
The NSCDC State Commandant, Mohammed Usman, revealed the developments on Friday during a briefing with journalists on the command’s recent operational activities.
According to Usman, Ali, who resides in Tudun Wada Pantami, Gombe, allegedly worked with another suspect, who remains at large, to vandalise the armoured cable along Bauchi Road on October 16, 2026. He said the suspects subsequently sold the cable for N100,000 and shared the proceeds for personal use.
“The suspect was arrested in Gombe while attempting to escape from the state, following credible intelligence from the Department of Intelligence and Investigation,” he said.
Addressing the recovery of the transmission cables, Usman explained that NSCDC operatives attached to the Anti-Vandal Unit, in collaboration with the Lubo Community Security Committee, intercepted suspected vandals along the Lubo-Zambuk axis on October 12. He added that the suspects fled the scene, leaving behind the 968.4 metres of cables.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he added.
The commandant further announced the arrest of a 21-year-old man, Idris Mohammed, in connection with the alleged killing of Usman Jibrin Isah in Kwami Gari, Kwami Local Government Area of the state.
Usman said the incident occurred on September 12, 2026, after an argument reportedly broke out between Mohammed and the deceased at a park. He explained that the deceased allegedly struck Mohammed with a stick during the disagreement, prompting the suspect to stab him with a pair of scissors, resulting in his death.
According to the commandant, NSCDC operatives apprehended Mohammed shortly after the incident.
He stated that investigations into the cases were still ongoing, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the completion of the investigations.
Usman reiterated the corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, while ensuring the safety of lives and property throughout Gombe State.
