The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspected vandals and recovered stolen electrical cables and a tricycle as part of an intensified operation against infrastructure destruction across the state. SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command's spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement released to journalists on Thursday in Damaturu.
Operatives from the Gashua Area Command arrested Abubakar Idris, 27, a pot maker from Sabon Gari in Gashua Local Government Area, on July 23, 2026. He was found with two large bundles of stolen power cables in his possession.
Intelligence from that arrest led police to two additional suspects: Sumaila Suleiman, 25, and Ibrahim Ado, 26. The command did not provide details about the specific charges against the men.
Investigators also recovered a tricycle with registration number 497 DPH, which they believe was used to transport the stolen items. An unregistered motorcycle suspected of being used in the operation was also seized.
"Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate currently at large and to determine the source and ownership of the recovered items," the command said in a statement.
The operation reflects the police's determination to tackle the growing problem of infrastructure vandalism in Yobe. Power cable theft has become a persistent challenge in northern Nigeria, affecting electricity distribution and economic activity.
The command urged residents to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. It also pledged to continue pursuing those behind the criminal enterprise.
