Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, has foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to plunge a community in Gumel Local Government Area into darkness, arresting one suspect while two others fled, and recovering armoured cables valued at approximately ₦2 million.
Confirming the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Jigawa State Command, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, said the incident occurred at about 4:20 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026. “The incident occurred following a distress call from a concerned resident who alerted NSCDC personnel in Gumel to the presence of suspected vandals operating around the transformer installation,” Tijjani said. He stated that the suspected vandalism targeted armoured cables attached to a KEDCO transformer at Dantanoma Quarters, Gumel Local Government Area.
According to him, acting promptly on the information, the Gumel Divisional Officer, CSC Bashir Ya’u, mobilised personnel of the division and the Anti-Vandalism Squad to the location. “Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the suspects allegedly attempting to gain access to the transformer,” the PRO stated. He said one of the suspects, identified as Mubarak Adamu, 21, was apprehended, while two others escaped. Tijjani added that the two fleeing suspects were being pursued by the corps.
The PRO revealed that preliminary investigation showed that the suspects used a cutlass to cut and dismantle the protective wire fence around the transformer. “Three armoured cables, measuring approximately 15 metres, with an estimated value of N2 million, were recovered from the scene,” he said. He further disclosed that during interrogation, the arrested suspect provided information about other individuals believed to be connected with the vandalism. “He mentioned Musa and Binya, who are currently at large, as alleged accomplices, while Umar Fagge Babban Layi was mentioned as an alleged receiver and buyer of vandalised cables,” Tijjani said.
He added that the suspect also disclosed his involvement with Yusuf Asake, who is currently in custody, in previous acts of vandalism. Tijjani said further information indicated that the suspects might have been involved in the vandalism of metal materials at the Government Technical School, Gumel. “The suspect also allegedly disclosed that members of the same group were involved in the vandalism of a transformer at the Dan Modi Housing Estate, Gumel,” he stated.
The Jigawa NSCDC spokesperson quoted the State Commandant, CC Kabiru Ingawa, as commending the resident whose timely information contributed to the successful operation. “The Commandant reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly electricity installations,” Tijjani said. Accordingly, the PRO said the Commandant urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information about suspicious activities. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, and all suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of investigations,” Tijjani added.
The foiled vandalism is the latest in a series of attacks on electricity infrastructure in Jigawa State, underscoring the persistent challenge of protecting critical national assets. In August 2026, the NSCDC launched a manhunt for suspected vandals who stole an armoured cable valued at about ₦1 million from a transformer at Government Unity School, Ringim. The suspects had overpowered three security guards on duty and carted away 12 metres of 75mm² armoured cable. Earlier that same month, the Jigawa Command arrested two suspects for allegedly vandalising a 150 KVA electricity transformer in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area.
The broader pattern of infrastructure vandalism has drawn concern from the state government and the electricity distribution company, KEDCO, which has repeatedly appealed to communities to protect installations that serve them. The theft of armoured cables has been identified as a particularly destructive form of vandalism, as it damages transformers and often leaves entire communities without power for extended periods while repairs are carried out. The economic cost extends beyond the value of the stolen cables, encompassing lost productivity, damage to appliances and the expense of replacing damaged equipment.
For the residents of Dantanoma Quarters, the swift intervention of the NSCDC prevented what could have been a prolonged blackout. The recovery of the cables and the arrest of a suspect represent a measure of accountability, though the two fleeing suspects remain at large. The Commandant’s commendation of the resident who made the distress call highlights the critical role of community vigilance in protecting infrastructure. As the investigation continues, the NSCDC has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding electricity installations and urged the public to report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that timely information remains one of the most effective tools in preventing vandalism and apprehending offenders.
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