The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspects for allegedly vandalising and stealing components from an electricity transformer in Bade Local Council.

The suspects — Muhammad Auwali, 51; Inusa Lawan, 53; and Hassan Ibrahim, 27 — reside in the Bursari-Gashua area.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said operatives of the Garin Alkali Police Division acted on credible intelligence and apprehended the suspects on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at about 12:00 p.m. He added that an accomplice, identified as Ozu, remains at large.

“Our preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects conspired and vandalised a transformer at the Yobe State Television (YTV) booster station in Garin Alkali, Bursari Local Council. They dismantled the transformer and sold some of its metal components.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and admitted selling some of the vandalised parts to Hassan Ibrahim for N250,000, of which N150,000 has already been paid,” he said.

Police operatives recovered parts of the vandalised transformer, while efforts continue to arrest the fleeing suspect. Investigation is ongoing, after which the suspects will be charged in court.

The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kamfani Jibrin, commended the operatives and directed intensified operations to rid the state of criminal elements. He stated that vandals will find no safe haven anywhere in the state.

He warned scrap metal dealers against buying suspected stolen items and urged them to cooperate with security agencies in protecting critical public infrastructure. He added that anyone involved in such activities will face the full weight of the law.

The command also urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the nearest police station.