The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspected vandals for allegedly destroying a public transformer and selling its components.
The suspects, Muhammad Auwali, also known as Aburare (51), Inusa Lawan (53) and Hassan Ibrahim (27) were apprehended on Tuesday by operatives of the Garin Alkali Division following credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim on Tuesday, the suspects, who reside in the Bursari and Gashua axis of Bade Local Government Area, were linked to the vandalism of a transformer located at the YTV Booster Station in Garin Alkali, Bursari LGA.
Abdulkarim stated, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects conspired to vandalize a transformer at the YTV Booster Station, Garin Alkali. They dismantled the transformer and sold some of its metal components.”
He added that one accomplice, identified simply as Ozu, is currently at large, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and provided details of the transaction involving the stolen materials.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to selling some of the vandalized transformer parts to Hassan Ibrahim for the sum of N250,000, out of which N150,000 had already been paid,” the statement noted.
“Police operatives recovered parts of the vandalized transformer, and investigations are ongoing, while the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”
The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kamfani Jibrin, commended the operatives for their swift action and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for vandalism.
“There will be no safe haven for vandals in Yobe State,” he warned, directing intensified operations across the state to rid it of criminal elements.
He also cautioned scrap metal dealers against purchasing suspicious items and urged them to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“Anyone found involved in such unlawful activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he added.
The command further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and useful information to the police.
