The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 35-year-old man, Rayyanu Ibrahim, for allegedly vandalising critical public infrastructure and stealing armoured cables from a government water facility in Jigawa State.
The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the NSCDC following intelligence reports linking him to the theft of electrical components at the Birnin Kudu Township Water Station, a facility that provides essential water services to residents in the area.
According to the NSCDC, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when unidentified persons reportedly tampered with equipment at the water station. Security operatives were alerted around 4 a.m., prompting an immediate investigation and intelligence-gathering operation involving members of the local Peace and Security Group.
Acting on credible information, NSCDC personnel tracked and arrested Ibrahim later the same day. Authorities said the stolen armoured cable was recovered from him during the operation.
Officials disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offence and further admitted involvement in other cases of cable theft within the area. He reportedly told investigators that stolen cables and other materials were often sold to scrap dealers for financial gain.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the vandalism of public infrastructure across the country. Incidents involving the destruction or theft of cables, transformers, pipelines and other public assets have continued to pose challenges to service delivery and impose significant financial burdens on government agencies.
The NSCDC noted that attacks on facilities such as water stations not only result in economic losses but can also disrupt access to essential services for communities that depend on them.
Speaking on the development, the command urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements around public installations and critical national assets.
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to protecting infrastructure across the state and warned that individuals involved in vandalism, theft and sabotage of public facilities would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional suspects or scrap metal buyers may be connected to the case. The NSCDC also indicated that efforts are being intensified to curb infrastructure-related crimes and strengthen the protection of public assets across Jigawa State.
