The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded seven male suspects for alleged involvement in vandalism of critical national infrastructure, theft, and illegal migration, including three deserters from the Togolese Army.
The suspects, aged between 27 and 44, were presented on Monday at the NSCDC State Headquarters in Alausa by the State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro. They are accused of offences ranging from vandalising armoured and transformer cables to stealing lithium batteries and an RRU inverter at different locations across Lagos State.
Keshinro disclosed that two of the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence received through the Okun Ajah Community and Proton Security Ltd. The operatives intercepted the suspects on June 27 while allegedly vandalising MTN armoured cables.
According to the Commandant, the stolen armoured cables and a shuttle bus popularly known as Korope, bearing Benue State registration number MUS 109 YH, were recovered during the operation.
He added that two other suspects linked to the cable vandalism remain at large, assuring that the Command would intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute them.
“The Command will not relent until all those connected with the vandalism of critical national assets worth millions of naira are brought to justice,” he said.
In a separate operation on June 26, NSCDC operatives arrested another suspect in the Sogunle area for allegedly vandalising transformer cables.
The Command also arrested a suspect on Orchid Road, Lekki, in connection with the theft of eight lithium batteries, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Keshinro further revealed that another suspect arrested in Banana Island on April 7 over the theft of an RRU inverter cable is already facing prosecution.
The Command also paraded three Togolese nationals identified as deserters from the Togolese Army, who were apprehended by NSCDC operatives in Badagry.
According to the Commandant, the deserters have been handed over to the appropriate government agency for further investigation, while other suspects arrested in connection with illegal migration have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for necessary action.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, Keshinro warned vandals and other criminal elements to desist from acts of economic sabotage or face the full weight of the law.
He also urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, noting that community collaboration remains vital in tackling crime and protecting public infrastructure across Lagos State.