The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command has apprehended a truck loaded with suspected vandalized NITEL MASTS and installations in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the State.

The State Command’s Spokesman, Mr. Ikor Oche said on 24th September 2022, at about 0730 hours, the four suspected vandals and trucks were on transit to an unknown destination in Kaduna State when they were arrested.

“Parading the suspects and the exhibits at the state command headquarters in Gusau, the Commandant, Mr. A A Sparks through the command’s Public Relation Officer, Mr. Ikor Oche said four suspects were arrested in connection with the vandalized NITEL properties”

He noted that one Kabiru Abdulmumini, a 49-year-old man who claimed to be an agent of one Hon. Isa Abdulmumini said he obtained the permit from the appropriate authority to evacuate the items to an unknown destination in Kaduna State.

“The suspect said that he was only coopted into the transaction without proper details”

“However, the NSCDC, the parent agency overseeing all critical national assets and infrastructures had since on the 4th August 2022 been notified by NITEL authority that all permits issued to anyone or company to evacuate anything that belongs to NiTEl have been invalidated and as such, anymore found with such a permit or tampers with NITEL MASTS, installations or any property that belongs to NITEL is an imposter and should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly”

Commandant Sparks then said in line with this circular, all those in connection with the suspected act of vandalism will face the full wrath of the law.

“The truck driver who was also arrested as an accomplice, named Lawali Suleiman, 25 years, claimed he was only asked by his boss, one Alhaji Salisu Lawali who is the owner of the truck to drive the goods to an unknown destination in Kaduna State after paying him the sum of 340 thousand naira for the truck to Kaduna”

“The truck’s plate number was removed to conceal its identity during transits”

Mr. Sparks explained that others arrested alongside the agent and the driver include 38 years old Suleiman Abubakar and 25 years old Mahmud Muhammad who claimed to be the truck conductors.

“The suspects will be prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction immediately after the conclusion of
investigations”

The State Commandant advised the general public to stay away from public infrastructures and national assets as the Corps will deal thoroughly with anyone found wanting in that regard.