By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded a significant operational breakthrough as the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) arrested three key suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism of a critical telecommunications tower in Yobe State, alongside multiple other criminal apprehensions made across the country.
In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, the Corps disclosed that the operation followed a credible intelligence report indicating that certain criminal elements were colluding with a terrorist group to vandalize a live telecommunications tower located in Savannah, Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, SIS operatives stormed the location and arrested the suspects at the scene. Those apprehended include 44-year-old Ibrahim Jibrin from Damaturu; 38-year-old Dahiru Ibrahim Isa from Babban Layi, Potiskum; and 27-year-old Usman Ali Isa from Dabar Mai Chafa, Potiskum. According to investigators, Jibrin, identified as a specialist in the vandalization of installations, was allegedly hired to decommission the mast for N800,000 and had already been paid N200,000 by an accomplice identified as Alhaji Kabiru, based in Kano, before the arrest. Recovered exhibits include components of the vandalized tower as well as tools used for the illegal operation.
Reinforcing the Corps’ renewed drive against criminality and economic sabotage, the statement further revealed that the SIS conducted several additional intelligence-led operations across other locations. On November 15, 2025, following reports of motorcycle and phone-snatching criminal rings operating within the Kuje and Tungan Maje axis of the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested two suspects, David Moses and Nuhu Inusa, in the Gui area of Abuja. Stolen phones were recovered from them, and the suspects confessed to their activities, detailing their method of operation and identifying an accomplice who allegedly rewarded them with two Bajaj motorcycles valued at N400,000 and N350,000 in exchange for the stolen items.
In another coordinated follow-up operation linked to the earlier arrest of one George Nyitamen, the Squad apprehended three additional suspects: Akawe Uter, Sunny Obasi and Ezugwu Godwin. Their offences reportedly include illegal connection and distribution of electricity, tampering with electrical installations, and harassment of staff of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The SIS also responded to a distress call that led to the arrest of 27-year-old Vincent Haliru Maigari, who allegedly stole plumbing materials from an apartment he had been hired to work on an apartment undergoing conversion into a hotel near the Didi/Madiba Casa Estate. Maigari confessed to the theft, and some of his collaborators who allegedly purchased the stolen materials have also been arrested.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has directed all specialized units to intensify operations aimed at protecting national assets and clamping down on all forms of vandalism, economic sabotage, and insecurity. He emphasized the Corps’ unwavering resolve to safeguard critical infrastructure across the country.
Commander of the Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant of Corps Samu Appollos Dandaura, JP, expressed confidence that with sustained public cooperation and continued intelligence gathering, the Corps will continue to deliver on its mandate efficiently and professionally. All suspects, according to the NSCDC, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of thorough investigations.
