Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three men suspected of vandalising a public electricity transformer in Bursari Local Government Area, in what authorities describe as part of ongoing efforts to curb infrastructure theft and sabotage across the state.
The suspects, identified as Muhammad Auwali (51), Inusa Lawan (53), and Hassan Ibrahim (27), were apprehended by operatives of the Garin Alkali Division following intelligence-led operations. Police also confirmed that a fourth suspect, known as Ozu, is currently at large.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the suspects allegedly broke into the YTV Booster Station in Garin Alkali on April 14, 2026, where they dismantled a transformer and carted away several components before disposing of parts of the stolen materials.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly sold portions of the vandalised equipment to one of the arrested individuals, Hassan Ibrahim, for ₦250,000, with a partial payment of ₦150,000 reportedly made at the time of arrest. Police said some of the stolen transformer components have since been recovered as evidence.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the crime, a development authorities say will aid ongoing investigations and help trace additional collaborators and buyers of the stolen materials.
The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Kamfani Jibrin, commended the arresting officers for their swift response and directed that surveillance and enforcement operations be intensified across the state to prevent further acts of vandalism targeting critical infrastructure.
He also issued a warning to scrap metal dealers and buyers, urging them to desist from purchasing suspected stolen items, noting that anyone found complicit in such transactions would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Transformer vandalism has become a recurring challenge in parts of northern Nigeria, where electricity infrastructure is often targeted for its metal components, leading to power disruptions, financial losses, and setbacks in public service delivery. Authorities say such acts not only affect communities economically but also hinder efforts to improve electricity supply in rural and semi-urban areas.
The police confirmed that the arrested suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle any wider network connected to the crime.
Security agencies in Yobe State have recently increased patrols and intelligence operations targeting theft of public utilities, particularly in response to growing concerns over repeated attacks on power installations and communication infrastructure.
Officials say the latest arrests reflect improved coordination between local communities and security forces, as intelligence sharing continues to play a key role in identifying and disrupting criminal activity targeting essential public assets.
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