The Kwara Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained five suspects in its custody for their alleged involvement in vandalism and theft of transformer and streetlight cables in Ilorin.

The suspects, Samson Akintola, 21; Muhammed Zakariya, 19; Mohammed Monsur, 20; Ibrahim Hamida, 19; and Kabir Abubakar, 24, were reportedly caught at Tanke at about 1:00 a.m. on November 1.

The command’s public relations officer (PRO), Sola Ayoola, disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Mr Ayoola said, “A joint operation conducted by personnel of the Tanke Division and members of the Tanke Community Vigilance Group led to the arrest.

“During the operation, the team intercepted the suspects in possession of vandalised transformer and streetlight cables, suspected to have been removed from Asa Dam, Sapati area, in Ilorin.

“Items recovered from the suspects include vandalised transformer cables, streetlight cables, and burnt copper wires.”

The PRO also stated that a preliminary investigation indicates a case of willful vandalism and theft of public electrical installations, in violation of Section 1(9) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

He further said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Mr Ayoola said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other accomplices connected to the crime.

Speaking on the development, the state commandant, Umar Mohammed, affirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across Kwara.

Mr Mohammed cautioned individuals and groups involved in vandalism to desist from such acts.

(NAN)