BAUCHI NSCDC NABS TWO TELECOM MAST VANDALS, INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON CRITICAL ASSET SABOTEURS
In a bid to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, the Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), led by Commandant Oloyede Nelson Oyerinde, has apprehended two suspected vandals who targeted an old NITEL telecom mast in Toro Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Aminu Musa (30) and Mahmoud Aliyu (25), were paraded today, November 25, 2024, at the state headquarters in Bauchi.
The incident began on November 17, 2024, when a report reached the NSCDC Toro Divisional Headquarters in Tilde, detailing suspicious activities at an old NITEL telecom mast in Panshanu village. Vandals were said to be decommissioning the infrastructure. Acting swiftly, the command’s Quick Response Team visited the scene but found no suspects at the time.
Determined to prevent further damage, the officers initiated covert surveillance in the area. Their persistence paid off the following evening (November 18, 2024), when the two suspects were caught red-handed cutting the vandalized telecom mast into smaller pieces for easier transportation.
SEIZED ITEMS AND INVESTIGATION PROGRESS
During the operation, 10 oxyacetylene gas cylinders and remnants of the vandalized mast were recovered as exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were hired by a man identified as Alhaji Samaila, who is currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect, while the two detained suspects will face prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation.
COMMANDANT’S WARNING AND PUBLIC APPEAL
Addressing journalists during the parade, Commandant Oloyede Nelson Oyerinde reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure. He appealed to host communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around such assets.
“The destruction of critical national infrastructure is a crime against the nation, and we cannot allow such acts to go unpunished,” Commandant Oyerinde declared. “We are calling on community members to act as our eyes and ears, ensuring these vital facilities remain intact for national development.”
He further warned vandals to desist from their criminal activities, stating that the command is resolute in its efforts to rid the streets of such offenders.
The Bauchi NSCDC’s swift and strategic actions underscore its dedication to safeguarding national assets, as well as its readiness to collaborate with communities in combating crime.
EXHIBITS RECOVERED:
- 10 oxyacetylene gas cylinders
- Pieces of the vandalized telecom mast
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency to ensure the continued protection of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.
