NSCDC arrests suspected cable vandals, other criminals in Lagos

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has arrested several suspected cable vandals and other criminal suspects in separate operations across the state.

The suspects were paraded on Monday at the command headquarters on Awolowo Road, Alausa, Ikeja.

According to the command, the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with local communities and private security organisations.

Speaking during the parade, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, said two suspects were arrested on Saturday while allegedly vandalising armoured cables worth millions of naira in the Okun Ajah area of Lagos.

He explained that the operation was launched after residents alerted security agencies to the suspects’ activities.

Abolurin added that Proton Security Limited notified the NSCDC, prompting operatives to mobilise to the scene and arrest the suspects.

He said two other suspects linked to the incident escaped and are currently being tracked by security operatives.

“The two suspects who are at large can only run, but they cannot hide forever,” he said.

According to Abolurin, intelligence gathering and strong community engagement have continued to play a key role in tackling infrastructure vandalism and related crimes across the state.

He noted that the command has strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers, youth groups, market associations and private security firms to improve intelligence sharing.

The spokesperson also disclosed that another suspect was arrested over the vandalism of transformer cables in the Shogunle area of Oshodi on Friday, adding that investigations are ongoing.

He further revealed that operatives arrested suspects accused of stealing eight lithium batteries from Orchid Road in Lekki on June 15.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended at about 4 p.m. during ongoing investigations into the theft.

“We will ensure due diligence for prosecution and possible conviction through the court,” he said.

Abolurin added that several cable vandalism cases are already before the courts, including that of a 44-year-old suspect currently facing prosecution.

He also disclosed that operatives of the command arrested two deserters from the Togolese Army, who will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

The NSCDC urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in protecting critical national infrastructure.

Abolurin reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating infrastructure vandalism, theft and other forms of economic sabotage across Lagos State.