Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A 35-year-old man, Rayyanu Ibrahim, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps over the alleged theft and vandalism of an armoured cable at the Birnin Kudu Township Water Station in Jigawa State.
The suspect, a resident of Kurima in Birnin Kudu, was arrested at about 11am on Sunday, September 20, 2026, several hours after the vandalism was reported at the facility.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Jigawa, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the arrest in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse on Monday.
Tijjani said the incident was reported at about 4am after unknown persons allegedly broke into the facility and tampered with its electrical installations.
“The incident was reported after unknown persons allegedly vandalised the facility and tampered with its electrical installations,” Tijjani said.
Following the report, the Divisional Officer of the Birnin Kudu Division, CSC A. S. Adam, mobilised operatives and commenced an investigation into the incident.
The NSCDC said intelligence provided by the Birnin Kudu Peace and Security Group led to Ibrahim’s arrest later that morning. An armoured cable allegedly removed from the water station was recovered from him and secured as an exhibit.
“The suspect was arrested with an armoured cable suspected to have been removed from the affected facility, which has been recovered as an exhibit,” Tijjani stated.
A visit to the scene by the divisional officer and other NSCDC personnel confirmed that the electrical system at the water station had been vandalised.
According to the statement, “During preliminary investigation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement and disclosed his involvement in other cable theft cases.
“He reportedly stated that the stolen cables were being sold to scrap dealers,” the PRO said.
The command said its investigation had been expanded to identify and arrest other individuals connected to the alleged cable theft and vandalism. Ibrahim remains in custody as investigations continue, with further action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Jigawa State Commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.
