The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa has arrested four suspected vandals in the Babura Local Government Area.

On Monday, the corps’ spokesperson, Adamu Shehu, confirmed the arrest to journalists in Dutse, the state capital.

Mr Shehu said the suspects, between 18 and 20 years, and residents of Tsoho Kafi Area of Kazaure LGA were arrested for alleged conspiracy, vandalism and theft.

He explained that the suspects were arrested for possessing 70 metres of 16mm 4 core armoured cable, which was vandalised and stolen on Titin Tanda Street, Akula Quartets, Babura LGA, on February 16.

The spokesperson added that the stolen cable was the property of the Jigawa State Ministry of Works and Transport.

“On February 16 at about 6:00 a.m., our officers in Babura received a distress call from a good samaritan living in the area who sighted the suspects at about 2:30 a.m. while committing the crime.

“They were later apprehended and arrested by security personnel in collaboration with the residents of the area while hiding in the surrounding bushes,” he said.

Mr Shehu said the cable was estimated to be worth N630,000, with each metre costing N9,000.

He further said an investigation into the case was ongoing to ascertain whether the suspects were culpable for the recent vandalism and theft of armoured cables at various water plants and streetlights in Kazaure, Maigatari and Sule Tankarkar Local Government Areas of the state.

The PRO said the offences contravened and were punishable under section 1(9) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and sections 96,97,286, and 287 of the Penal Code Law.

He said the suspects would be charged to court upon completing the investigation.

Mr Shehu quotes the NSCDC commandant in the state, Musa Alhaji, as appealing to residents to be vigilant and report acts of vandalism and any form of crime and criminality to the nearest security formation in their communities.

(NAN)