The Nigeria Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it has arrested some suspected vandals of power, telecommunications, and other infrastructure vandalisation in Yobe State.

AS Dandaura, the General Special Intelligence Squad commander confirmed the arrests in the state capital, Damaturu.

He stated that the operation was carried out during a clearance that uncovered three warehouses being used to keep stolen equipment.

The NSCDC, according to Dandaura, are on the heels of a man, Aliyu Ajakuta, who is said to be the main ‘Chairman of the Scrap Dealers of Association’ in the area.

The suspects are between the age 17 and 25. They stole Base Transceiver station (BTS), Rail Track Sleepers, Solar Panels and batteries.

Information from the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) shows that Nigeria loses about $1.5 billion due to oil theft and pipeline vandalism and destruction.

The losses in this sector are a fundamental part of the government’s inability to provide adequate welfare services to the citizens.