NSCDC arrests two over alleged theft, vandalism in Ilorin
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has arrested two suspects over the alleged theft, vandalism and unlawful removal of electrical materials belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), describing the operation as a major breakthrough in its campaign against economic sabotage.
The State Commandant, Abbas Mohammed, disclosed the development on Tuesday at the conference command headquarters in Ilorin. He identified the suspects as Ishaq Kazeem, 43, and Abubakar Jubril, 41, saying they were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the command.
According to Mohammed, the suspects were arrested on July 10, 2026, at a mechanic workshop in the Zango area near Oke-Andi Junction, after Bravo Filling Station in Ilorin, where they were allegedly dismantling electrical materials suspected to have been stolen from the TCN.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the brand-new electrical equipment had been unlawfully removed from the TCN Regional Store in Jebba before being transported to Ilorin, where it was allegedly being destroyed and prepared for sale as scrap.
Furthermore, the commandant said operatives of the NSCDC Command Intelligence Crack Squad acted on credible intelligence before storming the location. He added that the suspects were allegedly caught using a grinding machine and a sledgehammer to dismantle the electrical materials and extract iron components.
Items recovered from the scene included a DAF truck with registration number BRK-48-XA (Kebbi), a mini truck with registration number ABJ-739-FX (Abuja), brand-new and vandalized heavy-duty electrical insulation materials, metal conductor poles, iron bars, a generator, a grinding machine, a sledgehammer, a suspected burnt copper rod and other electrical components believed to belong to the government.
Meanwhile, Mohammed said investigations had been expanded to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate. He vowed that everyone connected with the alleged crime would be brought to justice, stressing that the command would not relent in its efforts to curb vandalism and the theft of critical national assets.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure across Kwara State and warned that there would be no hiding place for criminals. The commandant also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to safeguard public property and enhance security in the state.
