Four suspected Vandals have been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Customs in Jigawa State in possession of high-voltage electricity conductors worth over N5.3 million.

The suspects were intercepted along Hadeija-Ringim Highway in a light vehicle with 13 bundles of vandalised 155-millimetre electric Aluminium conductors measuring 1,771 metres in length.

Briefing journalists during the formal handover of the cables at the command headquarters in Kano, the Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa, Comptroller Dalhat Abubakar, said the suspects were intercepted by a patrol team on 11 September 2025 during a routine operation.

Abubakar disclosed that the suspected stolen property was concealed in a box body wagon covered with firewood disguised like a school bus vehicle.

According to the Customs boss, while two of the suspects escaped during the arrest, they were subsequently intercepted attempting to bribe the operatives with the sum of N250,000.

While handing over the suspects and items recovered to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano command, Abubakar noted that the transfer of the case underscores the importance of collaboration among relevant government agencies to protect critical national infrastructure.

He regretted the extent of hardship that the theft of the electricity cables would have caused the community, who were denied access to power supply.

“This singular act of criminality has denied the affected communities water supply and electricity in their homes and hospitals, causing possible health complications, serious injuries and even deaths,” Abubakar added.

He noted that the seizure and handover of the property to the civil defence align with the NCS mandate under Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empowers the service to protect the environment and secure public assets in addition to its core functions of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling.

Abubakar warned that vandalism of essential infrastructure leads to severe consequences, including service disruptions, high repair costs, insecurity, and loss of public trust.

He called on the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies in curbing acts of economic sabotage.

Receiving the suspects and exhibits, Commandant NSCDC Kano Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga commended the Customs Service for what he described as “scientific and kinetic collaboration and synergy,” assuring that the Corps would conduct a thorough investigation.

“On behalf of the Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, I assure you that we will pursue this case professionally and ensure those involved are brought to justice,” he said.