Three Electricity Cable Thieves Arrested in Niger

Niger State Police have arrested three suspects in connection to electricity cable theft. The arrests took place on June 10 and June 12, with suspects caught vandalizing and attempting to sell stolen cables. Investigations are ongoing, with legal action expected.

In recent developments, the Niger State Police Command apprehended three individuals linked to electricity cable theft across various locations within the state. The arrests were executed on the night of June 10 at around 11:50 p.m. by local police operatives and a vigilante group in the Munya Local Government Area.

The arrested suspects have been identified as 25-year-old Mohammed Isah and 30-year-old Ishiaku Ali, both hailing from Kwagana village in the Sarkin-Pawa area, alongside 24-year-old Ibrahim Aliyu from Angwan-Kanawa in Bosso. According to the police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were taken into custody following reports of vandalism related to electric cables deemed a vital part of the state’s infrastructure.

The first two suspects, Isah and Ali, were allegedly caught while attempting to vandalize over 100 meters of electric cable during a routine patrol along the Beni/Sarkin-Pawa Road. They were found using a white Lexus vehicle with registration number RKD 84 AU. During their arrest, police seized a cable cutter and confirmed that the suspects intended to sell the stolen cables in Abuja. They are currently being held for further investigation and will face prosecution.

In a related incident on June 12, Ibrahim Aliyu was arrested at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Bosso campus after he allegedly trespassed through a fence, compromising a generator room by damaging its iron door protector. Reports indicate that he cut off about 16 meters of armoured cable, valued at approximately N2 million.

Aliyu was apprehended while attempting to find a buyer for the stolen cables in Angwan-Masa Bosso, thanks to community vigilance and the swift response from local security personnel. Abiodun shared that during questioning, Aliyu admitted to acting alone and even conveyed how he concealed the cables in a sack before attempting to sell them.

He added that these cases demonstrate ongoing challenges with cable theft in the region, prompting intensified security measures. Investigations are reportedly ongoing, with Aliyu expected to face charges in court shortly.

The arrests of three individuals tied to the theft of electricity cables signify a troubling trend of infrastructure vandalism in Niger State. With the police emphasizing the importance of community cooperation, there remains an ongoing investigation into these incidents. The suspects, once charged, will face legal repercussions for their actions, underscoring the state’s commitment to tackling such crimes.

Original Source: punchng.com