NSCDC Parades Five Suspects Over Alleged Vandalism of Public Infrastructure in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Command, has arrested and paraded five suspects for alleged criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of vandalized public utility materials.

The suspects, identified as Gbenda Nyiter, Tersoo Bawa, Hanmakwagh James, Jeremiah Uker and Moses Ikyobo, were apprehended between June 29 and July 3, 2026, during separate operations conducted by NSCDC operatives in Tse-Ivue and Tse-Dei communities of Guma Local Government Area and around the Lafia Junction area of North Bank, Makurdi.

According to the Command, the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of a syndicate allegedly involved in vandalizing and trading in critical public infrastructure.

Items recovered from the suspects included about 350 metres of aluminium conductors believed to have been cut from power transmission lines, as well as two unregistered yellow tricycles allegedly used to transport the materials.

One of the suspects, Tersoo Bawa, reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while two others claimed they were commercial tricycle operators working within Makurdi metropolis.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to vandalize electricity installations in Tse-Dei and Tse-Ivue communities, resulting in disruption of power supply and significant economic losses.

Parading the suspects, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corps Michael Ejelikwu, reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.

He said the State Commandant, CC Bitrus Larai, had intensified efforts to ensure that those involved in acts of economic sabotage are brought to justice.

“Vandalism is a serious crime and a form of economic sabotage. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law. The NSCDC remains committed to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure across the state,” Ejelikwu stated.

He commended members of the public for providing useful information that aided the arrests and urged communities to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence.

The Command also warned scrap dealers and buyers against purchasing suspected vandalized materials, stressing that anyone found in possession of such items would be treated as an accomplice under Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Ejelikwu disclosed that investigations were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate still at large, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

He appealed to residents of Benue State to report suspicious activities around public infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office or through the Command’s emergency lines: 09022991199, 08036138130 and 07035830209.