The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 39-year-old man, Anuba Chisom, over the alleged vandalism of an IHS-MTN telecommunications mast in Okpuno, Awka, Anambra State.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended around 4 a.m. on Thursday near the temporary site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), following intelligence received by NSCDC operatives during a routine patrol.
Chisom, who hails from Amaputa in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, was arrested at the telecommunications facility in Awka South Local Government Area.
The Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Olatunde Maku, disclosed this while presenting the suspect at the command headquarters in Awka.
Maku said operatives attached to the command’s Anti-Vandal Unit acted on credible information about suspicious activities at the facility, identified by site number IHS_ANA_0888A.
According to him, the operatives apprehended the suspect at the scene with allegedly vandalised cables and other components of the telecommunications mast.
The commandant said preliminary investigations suggested that Chisom might be linked to a group suspected of vandalising critical infrastructure across the state.
He further disclosed that the suspect had allegedly admitted to vandalising two other telecommunications sites before his arrest.
According to Maku, Chisom reportedly blamed his actions on unemployment. However, the command did not disclose the locations of the other facilities or the extent of the alleged damage.
The NSCDC said the incident raised concerns about the growing threat of infrastructure vandalism and its potential impact on telecommunications services, businesses and public connectivity.
Damage to telecommunications equipment can disrupt network services and force operators to incur additional costs for repairs and replacement.
Maku commended the operatives involved in the arrest, attributing their success to vigilance and timely intelligence.
He warned that unemployment would not excuse criminal conduct, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the law.
“Unemployment is not a licence for crime,” the commandant said.
He urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help prevent the destruction and theft of critical infrastructure.
Maku also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting public and private assets across the state.
Following the arrest, the commandant directed a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances of the alleged vandalism and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The NSCDC said the suspect would be charged to court after the investigation is completed.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to establish the extent of the alleged damage and determine whether Chisom was connected to other reported cases of telecommunications infrastructure vandalism in Anambra State.
The suspect’s arrest forms part of the NSCDC’s efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and prevent activities capable of disrupting essential services. The allegations against him remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
