In a dramatic turn of events, suspected cable vandals fled the scene of a foiled operation in Kebbi State, abandoning their stolen electric cables and two motorcycles in a frantic bid to escape arrest.
The incident occurred along the Ambursa-Birnin Kebbi route, where vigilant operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) disrupted the criminal activity during a routine patrol. Upon sighting the security team, the suspects reportedly dropped the stolen materials and escaped into nearby bushes, leaving behind evidence of their illicit operation.
Spokesperson for the NSCDC Kebbi State Command, DSC Ibrahim Audu, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday. According to him, officers recovered multiple rolls of cut armoured electric cables, tools suspected to be used in the vandalism, and two unregistered motorcycles used by the fleeing suspects.
“The command received credible intelligence about ongoing acts of vandalism, and our operatives acted swiftly. The criminals, sensing danger, fled and left behind their loot and bikes,” Audu stated.
He added that the command has launched a manhunt for the suspects and warned that cable vandalism constitutes a serious economic crime with implications for public infrastructure and safety.
The Kebbi State Commandant of NSCDC, Muhammad Lawal Mahmud, commended the officers for their quick response and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure.
Cable theft remains a recurring issue across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages, financial losses, and delays in essential services. Authorities have urged communities to report suspicious activities and support ongoing efforts to curb infrastructure sabotage.
