The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has arrested seven suspects linked to the vandalism of critical national infrastructure and theft across different parts of the state.
The arrests, according to the command, are part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage through strengthened intelligence gathering and community collaboration.
Speaking during the parade of the suspects, the NSCDC spokesperson in Lagos, Oluwaseun Abolurin, disclosed that the operations were made possible through credible intelligence provided by residents and security stakeholders under the leadership of the State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro.
Abolurin revealed that two of the suspects were apprehended on June 27 in the Okun Ajah area for allegedly vandalising armoured cables valued at millions of naira.
He explained that the suspects were intercepted after loading the vandalised cables into a commercial shuttle bus, popularly known as “Korokpe,” which has since been impounded.
Preliminary investigations, including confessional statements, indicated that two other key members of the syndicate are currently at large. The NSCDC assured that efforts are underway to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In a related development, the command confirmed the arrest of individuals involved in the theft of eight lithium batteries stolen from Orchid Road, Lekki, on June 15. Another suspect was also arrested on June 26 for allegedly vandalising transformer cables in the Shogunle area of Oshodi.
The spokesperson further noted that a 44-year-old suspect accused of stealing an RRU inverter is already facing prosecution, while investigations into the other cases are ongoing.
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Interestingly, the NSCDC disclosed that two deserters from the Togolese Army were among those apprehended in separate operations. The suspects are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command attributed its recent successes to intensified engagement with local communities, including traditional leaders, youth groups, market associations, and private security operators.
This collaboration, it said, has significantly improved intelligence flow and helped reduce attacks on public infrastructure.
Abolurin condemned the persistent vandalism of national assets, noting that such acts disrupt electricity supply and telecommunications services, thereby negatively impacting millions of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, one of the suspects, a 27-year-old commercial driver, denied involvement in the crime, claiming he was only hired to transport the cables.
He stated that he believed the operation was legitimate because some individuals at the scene were dressed in military uniforms.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all those involved in economic sabotage are brought to justice, while investigations continue to determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement.
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