Police arrest two in Jigawa over vandalism of streetlight, transformer

Police officers. Photo: TheCable

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged vandalism of a streetlight cable and an electrical transformer in New Gwaram and Auyo Local Government Areas of the state.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse, the state capital, on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam.

According to Adam, the first suspect was arrested on September 25, 2026, for allegedly cutting the armour cable of a streetlight at New Gwaram Town.

He gave the name of the suspect as Aminu Musa, 38, of New Gwaram Town, Gwaram LGA.

The PPRO said, “The suspect, who is an operator of a streetlight generator in the area, was arrested by police operatives while committing the act.”

Adam stated that the suspect was brought to the police station while the scene was visited and relevant exhibits were recovered.

He added that “preliminary investigation was conducted and the case has been charged to court for prosecution.”

Similarly, the PPRO said on September 29, 2026, the police received information from Ayan village, Auyo LGA, that a second suspect had been arrested by residents.

He identified the suspect as Laminu Sha’aibu, 26, of Gumusuwa Village, Kafin Hausa LGA.

• Power minister sets up panel to stop grid attacks
• Police foil transformer vandalism, arrest suspect in Bauchi
• Jigawa farmers face LPG scarcity after switching from petrol

“The suspect was arrested at Maskangayu Village, Auyo LGA, in possession of vandalised transformer coils and was about to be lynched by a mob,” he stated.

Adam said that upon receiving the information, police operatives rushed to the scene where the suspect was rescued and taken to the nearest Primary Health Centre for medical attention.

He explained that the suspect was treated and subsequently discharged, while the vandalised transformer was recovered.

“During the investigation, the suspect stated that he had spent three nights dismantling the transformer without being detected,” Adam said.

The police spokesperson noted that the Command has continued with necessary investigative procedures to establish the circumstances of the offence and determine whether other persons were involved.

He confirmed that “following the completion of the investigation, both cases have been charged before the appropriate court for prosecution in accordance with the law.”

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended members of the public whose timely information assisted the police in apprehending the suspects.”

Adam quoted the CP as urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, particularly attempts to vandalise electricity installations, streetlights and other public facilities.

The Commissioner further assured the people of the state that the Command will continue to work closely with communities and other relevant stakeholders to protect public property and ensure that culprits are brought to book.