NSCDC hunts vandals, recovers ₦1.8m streetlight cables in Jigawa

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched a manhunt for suspected vandals and recovered 212 metres of stolen streetlight cables worth over ₦1.8 million in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

This was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the NSCDC Jigawa State Command Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, in Dutse, the state capital, on Friday.

Tijjani said the cables were stolen from various locations within Hadejia Local Government Area.

He explained that the recovery was part of the corps’ renewed drive to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the state.

According to him, the case was triggered by a report received on July 23, 2026, from the Executive Chairman of Hadejia Local Government Area, Hon. Yaro Abba.

“While returning from Kano, the chairman sighted suspected vandalised streetlight cables at an NSCDC checkpoint in Kano State. Suspecting they were from Hadejia, he promptly alerted our Hadejia Division,” Tijjani stated.

He added that the Divisional Officer, Hadejia Division, DSC Habibu Auwalu, immediately travelled to Kano to verify the information and collaborate with the NSCDC Kano State Command.

“Investigations confirmed that the cables, estimated to be worth over ₦1.84 million, were illegally removed from different parts of Hadejia Local Government Area by suspected vandals,” the NSCDC spokesperson noted.

“After verification, the recovered cables were positively identified as those stolen from Hadejia,” the PRO added.

According to him, on July 28, 2026, the NSCDC Kano State Command formally handed over the recovered cables to the Jigawa State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC Jigawa State Commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, commended Yaro Abba for his vigilance.

“The Commandant applauded the chairman for providing timely information that led to the recovery of government property,” Tijjani quoted him as saying.

He also praised the collaboration between the Jigawa and Kano commands.

“He described the operation as a clear demonstration of the corps’ commitment to safeguarding Critical National Assets,” Tijjani said.

The commandant, however, warned that vandalism would not be tolerated in the state.

“All those involved will be identified, arrested and prosecuted. Acts of economic sabotage undermine public infrastructure and national development,” Tijjani quoted the commandant as saying.

The command also appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible information.

“The NSCDC Jigawa State Command remains committed to protecting lives, property and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the state,” Tijjani said.