From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has arrested a 22-year-old man, Abdulrahman Ali, over the alleged vandalism and theft of armoured cables belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The command also recovered 968.4 metres of cables in connection with its operations against vandalism and the theft of critical national infrastructure.
The State Commandant, Mohammed Inuwa Usman, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on the command’s recent operational successes in Gombe State.
He said the arrest was part of efforts to curb vandalism, prevent economic sabotage and protect public assets and critical infrastructure.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the alleged crime, attributing his actions to the difficult circumstances he was facing.
Ali appealed to the authorities for leniency, urging them to temper justice with mercy.
The commandant condemned the vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, warning that such activities could disrupt essential services and expose the country to significant financial losses.
He assured residents that the corps would sustain its crackdown on vandals and other criminal elements targeting critical infrastructure, adding that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Usman also called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help identify and apprehend individuals involved in the destruction and theft of public assets.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to safeguard critical infrastructure and strengthen security across the state.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to determination by a competent court.