NSCDC Arrests Five Suspected Power Infrastructure Vandals in Benue, Recovers 350 Metres of Conductors

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Command, has arrested and paraded five suspects allegedly involved in criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of vandalised public infrastructure materials.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 35 years, were arrested between June 29 and July 3, 2026 during separate operations carried out by personnel of the command in parts of Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas of the state.

The NSCDC said the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected syndicate involved in the vandalism and illegal trading of public utilities.

The suspects were identified as Gbenda Nyiter, Tersoo Bawa, Hanmakwagh James, Jeremiah Uker and Moses Ikyobo.

Items recovered from the suspects include about 350 metres of aluminium conductors suspected to have been removed from electricity transmission lines, as well as two yellow unregistered tricycles allegedly used to transport the materials.

According to the command, the suspects were apprehended during routine patrol operations along the Tse-Ivue and Tse Dei communities in Guma Local Government Area, as well as the Lafia Junction–North Bank axis of Makurdi Local Government Area.

The NSCDC said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to vandalise power installations around Tse Dei and Tse-Ivue communities, an action that reportedly disrupted electricity supply and caused economic losses.

One of the suspects, Tersoo Bawa, reportedly admitted involvement in the offence, while two others claimed they were only tricycle operators working within Makurdi metropolis.

Parading the suspects, the Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Ejelikwu Michael, said the NSCDC remained committed to protecting critical national assets and ensuring that those responsible for vandalism are brought to justice.

He said the State Commandant, Commandant Bitrus Larai, had intensified efforts to tackle activities capable of undermining public infrastructure and national security.

“Vandalism is an act of grave economic sabotage, and anyone caught will face the full weight of the law. We commend members of the public for their continuous support through credible information, and we urge communities to remain vigilant,” Ejelikwu said.

The command also warned scrap dealers and buyers against purchasing vandalised public assets, stressing that anyone found in possession of such materials could be treated as an accomplice under Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Ejelikwu added that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the alleged syndicate, while the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.

The NSCDC urged residents to report suspicious activities around public infrastructure to security authorities, saying community cooperation remains critical in protecting government assets and preventing economic sabotage.