Pix: Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, CG NSCDC
The Anti-Vandal Team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has arrested four suspected vandals at Diko Junction, in Tafa Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, who are said to have specialised in vandalising critical national assets, including streetlight poles, were apprehended during a routine patrol.
A statement issued to journalists in Minna on Friday, November 13, 2024, at about 1:00 p.m., by the Command’s Public Relations Officer and signed by the State Commandant, Commandant A.A. Kambara, noted that the Anti-Vandal Team was conducting its routine patrol in the Tafa-Diko Junction area.
The statement further revealed that the patrol team noticed a streetlight pole had fallen and was vandalised. Upon further investigation, they discovered that several streetlight poles had fallen and were damaged.
Commandant Kambara explained that to ascertain the cause of the damage, the Anti-Vandal Team immediately conducted a surveillance operation, which led to the arrest of four suspects. They are:
Aliyu Abdulkadir (M), 40 years
Zaharadeen Idris (M), 19 years
Kabiru Mai Kaza Diko (M), 35 years
Zainu Zuladaini (M), 19 years
According to the statement, this swift response by the patrol team demonstrated the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as maintaining public safety.
The arrested suspects were allegedly found in possession of tools said to have been used for vandalising the poles. They were taken into custody and are currently being interrogated.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, however, assured that the Command will continue to work closely with other security agencies in the state to bring individuals responsible for this criminal act of vandalism to justice.
“I would like to remind members of the public that vandalism is a serious crime that can have significant and negative effects on the community. We urge everyone to report any suspicious movements/activities to the authorities.”
“I would further express my gratitude to the Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his unwavering support and instrumental leadership to the NSCDC,” the statement said.
The Command also took the opportunity to extend its appreciation to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his continuous support of the NSCDC in the state.
The NSCDC Niger State Command remains dedicated to maintaining law and order and has called on members of the public to provide useful information on suspicious activities and support efforts to protect national assets.