The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe State has arrested a 22-year-old man, Abdulrahman Ali, for allegedly vandalising an armoured power cable supplying electricity to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) depot.
Ali, whose confession was made public, has pleaded for leniency, attributing his actions to his circumstances. State commandant, Mohammed Inuwa Usman, announced the arrest on Friday while updating journalists on recent successes in tackling vandalism and other criminal activities.
Ali, from Tudun Wada Pantami, allegedly conspired with another suspect, who remains at large, to vandalise the cable along Bauchi Road around 3am on 16 October. They reportedly sold the stolen cable for ₦100,000, using the money for personal purposes.
He was apprehended while trying to flee the state, following intelligence from the NSCDC’s Department of Intelligence and Investigation. During questioning, Ali admitted his involvement and appealed for mercy.
In a related matter, the NSCDC’s anti-vandal unit, in collaboration with the Lubo Community Security Committee, recovered 968.4 metres of stolen aluminium power cables along the Lubo-Zambuk axis in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area. The cables were abandoned by suspected vandals who fled when approached on 12 October.
Additionally, Usman announced the arrest of another suspect, 21-year-old Idris Mohammed, in connection with the fatal stabbing of Usman Jibrin Isah in the Kwami Gari area on 12 September. The incident stemmed from a minor disagreement in a park, during which Isah allegedly struck Mohammed with a stick, prompting Mohammed to fatally stab him with scissors.
Investigations into both cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court once complete. Usman reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting national assets and the safety of lives and property in the state.
