• Detains two over alleged vandalism, cable theft in Jigawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reassured residents of Anambra State of the safety of life and property following a sit-at-home order declared by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Corps assured residents that security measures have been implemented to maintain peace and order.

The Head of Media and Tactical Operations for the NSCDC Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, speaking on behalf of the State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, explained that patrols were part of efforts to address the alleged threats and to reassure residents of their safety.

A faction of IPOB, through videos and voice notes circulated last week, instructed residents in the South-East to stay indoors from October 21 to 22, 2024, threatening severe consequences for non-compliance.

As a result, strategic locations such as markets, schools, motor parks, banks, petrol stations, law courts, and other public facilities have remained closed. At the same time, major roads across the state have been deserted since Monday.

The NSCDC commandant had ordered “show of force operations” and “confidence-building patrols” across the state to alleviate residents’ fears.

He said, “In continuation of its proactive measures to ensure public safety and security in response to IPOB’s two-day sit-at-home directive, the NSCDC state command, in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, strategically deployed personnel across key areas of the state on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.”

He added that this proactive measure is designed to reassure residents of Anambra of the command’s readiness to prevent disruptions, maintain law and order, and deter potential breaches of peace.

The command also urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation or via the emergency hotline at 08066769442.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC Jigawa Command has detained two individuals over alleged vandalism and theft of armoured cable in Taura Local Council of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria in Dutse yesterday.

He revealed that the operatives apprehended the suspects on Friday at Gujungu Market as they allegedly attempted to dispose of the stolen cable.

“Our personnel arrested two young men for suspected vandalism and theft of street light armoured cable in Gujungu town, Taura Local Council.

“The suspects, aged 22 and 25, and residents of Dugunu village, were caught attempting to sell the cable at Gujungu Market. The vandalised armoured cable covered an estimated area of half a kilometre, measuring 43.33 metres and valued at N650,000.”

“The suspects had stripped its rubber insulation, and the copper wire was neatly wrapped, compressed, and packaged for concealment and ease of transportation,” Tijjani said.