By Deborah Nnamdi
The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has apprehended suspects linked to the theft and vandalism of a power installation in the state.
Parading the suspects on Thursday at the Command headquarters in Jalingo, the state commandant, Anthony Bala Bitrus, said they were arrested at Mallam Ali Junction, near the Danbaba Danfulani Suntai Airport, in Jalingo.
According to Bitrus, the arrest followed a collaborative operation between the NSCDC and the Nigerian Air Force.
Two principal suspects, identified as Jamilu Husaini and Isiaka Usaini, were said to have confessed to having stolen a 30-foot armored cable belonging to the Yola Electricity Distribution Company, YEDC, from a transformer in the Alingora community of Ardo Kola Local government council.
The stolen cable, as made known by the commandant, is valued at approximately N3 million to N6 million.
Speaking through the Command’s spokesperson, Iliya Samaila, the commandant disclosed that another suspect, Abubakar Ahmed, 25, was also apprehended in Jalingo for allegedly receiving and selling stolen armored cables.
In a related operation, the Command also announced the arrest of a notorious burglar, identified as Ayuba Ajiya.
The suspect was accused of breaking into multiple homes in Jalingo and Zing local government councils of the state.
“Acting on a tip-off, operatives captured Ajiya in the Lassandi area of Jalingo. Investigations revealed he began his criminal activities at the age of 16.”
The alleged receiver and distributor of the stolen goods, who was equally paraded alongside the vandals, identified as Daddy Vincent, was said to have admitted to selling numerous stolen items.
Several stolen properties were recovered from him during the investigation.
The command urged residents to assist security agencies by providing credible intelligence to combat crime and enhance security in the state.
