NSCDC arrests man for vandalising telecom mast in Anambra

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Anambra State has arrested a 39-year-old man named Anuba Chisom. He is accused of vandalising an IHS-MTN telecommunications mast at Okpuno. This location is near the temporary site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka.

The NSCDC also got a court order to keep another suspect, Nweke Friday, at the Awka custodial centre. He is facing charges of stealing and criminal conspiracy related to the same issue.

Chisom, who hails from Amaputa in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, was caught around 4am on Thursday. This happened after NSCDC operatives received reliable information during a routine patrol.

Olatunde Maku, the state commandant, shared this news on Thursday while showing Chisom at the command headquarters in Awka. Maku explained that they found Chisom at the site with vandalised cables and other parts of the telecommunications mast.

Maku said, "During a routine patrol by our anti-vandal operatives, we got credible information about unusual movements around an IHS-MTN mast with site number IHS_ANA_0888A, located at Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area, close to the palace of the traditional ruler of Okpuno."

"The team quickly moved in and arrested the suspect at the scene with vandalised cables and other components of the mast. Preliminary investigation showed that he is part of a group responsible for the rising vandalism in the state."

Maku added that Chisom has allegedly admitted to vandalising two other sites, saying he turned to crime because of unemployment. He warned that the corps would not accept the vandalism of key infrastructure in the state.

"Unemployment is not an excuse for crime. We warn all economic saboteurs and vandals to leave Anambra State, as we will find them and ensure they face justice," he stated. He also urged the public to give timely and reliable information to help the corps.

Maku instructed that a complete investigation be carried out before Chisom is taken to court. Meanwhile, an Awka Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered Nweke to be held at the Awka custodial centre after he was charged by the NSCDC Anambra State Command.

Nweke was arrested on October 1, 2026, around 7.20am at Esther Obiakor Estate, Agu-Awka, by NSCDC operatives. The command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Corps Edwin Okadigbo, shared the court's decision with journalists at the command headquarters in Awka on Thursday.

Okadigbo explained that Nweke is facing three charges related to stealing and conspiracy to remove parts of a telecommunications mast. He said the NSCDC prosecutor, Ifeanyi Nwokike, informed the court that Nweke and another accomplice, who is still missing, planned to take parts of the mast by loosening nuts and bolts, cutting cables, and stealing other materials.

The spokesperson noted that these actions go against Sections 135, 353(2), and 495(a) of the Criminal Code, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended. Maku reiterated the corps’ strict stance against vandalism, calling it economic sabotage that endangers lives and damages important infrastructure. He praised the personnel involved in the arrests and assured residents that the command would keep fulfilling its responsibilities.