Three Arrested for Cable Theft, Vandalism in Niger State
Police Arrest Three for Electricity Cable Theft and Vandalism in Niger State
The Niger State Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the theft and vandalism of electricity cables in separate incidents across the state.
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were apprehended in Bosso and Munya Local Government Areas during security operations carried out in coordination with local vigilante groups.
The first incident occurred on June 10, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m. when officers on routine patrol along the Beni/Sarkin-Pawa road intercepted two men, Mohammed Isah (25) and Ishiaku Ali (30), both residents of Kwagana village.
The suspects were caught in the act of vandalizing electricity cables over 100 meters long. They were using a white Lexus vehicle (registration number RKD 84 AU) and were found in possession of a cable cutter and other incriminating items.
Upon interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to stealing the cables with the intention of selling them to a buyer in Abuja. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation and prosecution.
In a separate case, on June 12, 2025, security personnel at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Bosso campus arrested 24-year-old Ibrahim Aliyu of Angwan-Kanawa, Bosso.
The suspect was handed over to Bosso Division Police after it was discovered that he had illegally entered the university compound the previous morning, June 11, by scaling the perimeter fence.
Aliyu allegedly broke into the generator room on campus, damaged the protective iron door, and cut away approximately 16 meters of armoured electric cable, estimated to be worth around ₦2 million.
The suspect was caught when he attempted to find a buyer for the stolen cable at Angwan-Masa in Bosso. Members of the community, in collaboration with vigilantes, apprehended him and recovered the stolen materials.
During questioning, Aliyu admitted to committing the crime alone, stating that he stripped the rubber insulation from the cables and hid them in a sack at his residence.
All suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing. The police have assured that they will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
SP Abiodun commended the cooperation of community members and local security outfits in helping to curb such criminal activities and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring justice is served.
Three Arrested for Cable Theft, Vandalism in Niger State