The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 people for allegedly vandalizing telecom masts and power installations in Yobe State.

The arrest was made by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, led by Commandant AS Dandaura.

According to a statement by NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale, the operation followed a directive from NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi.

He emphasized that the agency has zero tolerance for vandalism and damage to important national infrastructure.

The operation targeted three warehouses in Damaturu, the state capital, where stolen items were stored. Intelligence reports revealed that these locations were being used to hide stolen telecom masts, power transmission equipment, and rail track materials.

The warehouses were discovered in three areas of Damaturu:

• Pilgrim Nasarawa Bypass
• Dujiya, behind the new market
• Abari Bypass

Dandaura explained that acting on orders from the Commandant General, the NSCDC team raided these locations. The operation lasted several hours and successfully uncovered stolen equipment in all three warehouses.

The NSCDC is committed to protecting Nigeria’s infrastructure and preventing crimes like vandalism. More investigations are ongoing to bring all culprits to justice.