By Linda Agbu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Command, has arrested suspected cable vandals and other criminal suspects.
The suspects were paraded on Monday at the command headquarters along Awolowo Road, Alausa, Ikeja.
The command said the arrests followed intelligence gathering and collaboration with communities and private security organisations.
Its Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, disclosed that two suspects were arrested on Saturday.
He said they were caught vandalising armoured cables worth millions of naira at Okun Ajah.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended after intelligence from residents of the community.
Abolurin said Proton Security Limited alerted the NSCDC, prompting operatives to respond swiftly.
He said two other suspects linked to the operation escaped but remained wanted. “The two suspects who are at large can only run, but they cannot hide forever,” he said.
The spokesman said community partnerships had remained crucial in tackling infrastructure theft.
“We got these arrests through intelligence gathering and consistent community engagement,” Abolurin said.
He added that the command had strengthened ties with stakeholders across Lagos State. These include traditional rulers, youth groups, market associations, and private security firms.
Abolurin also disclosed the arrest of another suspect over transformer cable vandalism. He said the suspect was arrested on Friday June in the Shogunle area of Oshodi.
The NSCDC spokesman said investigations into the transformer vandalism case were ongoing.
He further revealed that operatives arrested suspects accused of stealing eight lithium batteries. The batteries were allegedly stolen from Orchid Road, Lekki, on June 15.
Abolurin said the suspects were arrested around 4:00 p.m. during investigations, adding that the command was working to uncover the full circumstances behind the theft.
“We will ensure due diligence for prosecution and possible conviction through the court,” he said.
The spokesman noted that previous vandalism cases involving cables were already before the courts. He added that a 44-year-old suspect was also facing prosecution for vandalism.
Abolurin disclosed that NSCDC operatives also apprehended two deserters from the Togolese Army.
He said they would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
The command urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Abolurin said public cooperation remained vital in protecting critical infrastructure. He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to fighting vandalism and economic sabotage in Lagos. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)