NSCDC nabs 35-year-old man for vandalising water station cables in Jigawa

Suspect arrested in connection to alleged cables theft and vandalism in Jigawa

A 35-year-old man has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, over alleged theft and vandalism of an armoured cable at the Birnin Kudu Township Water Station.

This was confirmed in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Jigawa State Command, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani.

Confirming the arrest, the PRO said the incident was reported at about 4am on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after unknown persons allegedly vandalised the facility.

“The incident was reported after unknown persons allegedly vandalised the facility and tampered with its electrical installations,” Tijjani said.

He stated that upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Officer, Birnin Kudu Division, CSC A. S. Adam, immediately mobilised operatives and commenced an investigation.

“Acting on credible intelligence provided by the Birnin Kudu Peace and Security Group, operatives succeeded in arresting the suspect at about 1100hrs on the same day,” he added.

The PRO identified the suspect as Rayyanu Ibrahim, 35, of Kurima, Birnin Kudu, who was arrested with the stolen cable.

“The suspect was arrested with an armoured cable suspected to have been removed from the affected facility, which has been recovered as an exhibit,” Tijjani stated.

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He said the Divisional Officer, alongside other operatives, visited the scene, where it was confirmed that the electrical system had been vandalised.

According to the statement, “During preliminary investigation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement and disclosed his involvement in other cable theft cases.

“He reportedly stated that the stolen cables were being sold to scrap dealers,” the PRO said.

Tijjani said the command had expanded its investigation to identify and apprehend other persons connected to the alleged criminal activities.

He added that the suspect remained in custody as the investigation continued, while further action would be taken in accordance with extant laws.

The PRO also disclosed that the Jigawa State Commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, reiterated the corps’ determination to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure.

“The Commandant urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around critical infrastructure,” the Jigawa NSCDC spokesman quoted the commandant.