The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended a 24-year-old suspected vandal, identified as Mustapha Aminu, for allegedly vandalizing power cables.

During a briefing on Wednesday, the state commander, Adamu Salih, disclosed that the stolen cables belonged to the State Ministry of Energy and Economic Development.

Aminu was reportedly arrested on August 27, 2024, by NSCDC officers during a routine patrol in the Jalingo metropolis at Jauro Gana.

According to Commander Salih, “Acting on a tip-off, we apprehended the suspect after he stole armoured cables used for street lights on the newly-constructed road from Kpanti-Napu to Jauro Yinu on Saturday, August 24, 2024. He had hidden the cables in a nearby farm, intending to retrieve them later and transport them to Enugu State for sale at a higher price. However, our operatives caught him before he could do so.”

Salih expressed concern about the rising moral decay among youths and urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely to steer them away from criminal activities that could jeopardize their futures.