Yobe: Police arrest 3 suspects for vandalism, recover stolen power cables, transformer components

The Yobe state Police command has arrested three suspects in connection with the vandalism and theft of critical power infrastructure, recovering stolen cables and equipment in a significant operation targeting criminal syndicates.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Area Command in Gashua apprehended 27-year-old Abubakar Idris, an aluminium pot maker from Sabon Gari Area on Thursday July 23, 2026.

Authorities recovered two large bundles of suspected stolen power cables from the suspect during the operation.

Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects – Sumaila Suleiman, 25, and Ibrahim Ado, 26.

Police also recovered a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) with Registration No. 497 DPH, allegedly used to transport the stolen items, along with an unregistered Boxer motorcycle believed to have been used in the criminal operation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on vandalism, destruction of public infrastructure, and economic sabotage.

He has directed all tactical and investigative units to intensify efforts in tracking down fleeing members of the syndicate to ensure their arrest and prosecution.

“We will not tolerate any acts that undermine critical national infrastructure.Those who engage in such criminal activities will face the full weight of the law,” CP Jibrin stated.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the source and ownership of the recovered items and to apprehend other syndicate members currently at large.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to the Police to help safeguard critical public infrastructure and enhance security across the state.