Security operatives in Kwara State, Nigeria, have arrested five suspected vandals for allegedly stealing transformer and streetlight cables in the Tanke area of Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspects — identified as Samson Akintola (21), Muhammed Zakariya (19), Mohammed Monsur (20), Ibrahim Hamida (19), and Kabir Abubakar (24) — were apprehended around 1 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during a joint operation involving operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from the Tanke Division and members of the Tanke Community Vigilante Group.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, ASC I Ayoola Shola, the suspects were intercepted with vandalised transformer and streetlight cables believed to have been stolen from the Asa Dam and Sapati areas of Ilorin.
“Items recovered include vandalised transformer cables, streetlight cables, and burnt copper wires.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had been involved in the wilful vandalisation and theft of public electrical installations — an offence contrary to Section 1(9) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations,” the statement added, noting that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices connected to the crime.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Umar Mohammed, warned against the vandalisation of public infrastructure, stressing that such acts undermine development and expose communities to blackouts and insecurity.
“We are committed to protecting all critical national assets and infrastructure in Kwara State. Let this serve as a warning to others: anyone caught sabotaging public utilities will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
The NSCDC command reiterated its readiness to collaborate with community vigilantes and residents to safeguard public installations across the state.
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