NSCDC arrests 35-year-old for vandalising water station cables in Jigawa

A 35-year-old man has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Jigawa State. He is accused of stealing and vandalising an armoured cable at the Birnin Kudu Township Water Station.

This information was shared in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Jigawa State Command, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani. He made the announcement to journalists in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, on Monday.

Tijjani said the incident was reported at around 4am on Sunday, September 20, 2026. This was after some unknown individuals allegedly vandalised the water station.

"The incident was reported after unknown persons allegedly vandalised the facility and tampered with its electrical installations," Tijjani explained.

He added that after getting the report, the Divisional Officer of the Birnin Kudu Division, CSC A. S. Adam, quickly mobilised operatives to start an investigation.

"Acting on reliable information from the Birnin Kudu Peace and Security Group, operatives arrested the suspect around 11am on the same day," he said.

The suspect was identified as Rayyanu Ibrahim, 35, from Kurima in Birnin Kudu. He was caught with the stolen cable.

"The suspect was arrested with an armoured cable believed to have been taken from the facility. This cable has been recovered as evidence," Tijjani stated.

He mentioned that the Divisional Officer and other operatives visited the scene. It was confirmed that the electrical system at the station had been vandalised.

The statement said, "During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to his role in this crime. He also mentioned other cable thefts he was involved in."

"He reportedly said that the stolen cables were being sold to scrap dealers," the PRO added.

Tijjani noted that the command has broadened its investigation to find and arrest others linked to these crimes. He confirmed that the suspect is still in custody as the investigation continues.

Further actions will be taken according to the law. The PRO also mentioned that the Jigawa State Commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, has stressed the corps’ commitment to protect important national assets and facilities.

"The Commandant urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities near critical infrastructure," the NSCDC spokesman quoted the commandant.