The Jigawa State Police Command says it has intensified efforts against vandalism of electricity infrastructure following a series of arrests linked to the destruction and theft of transformers and power cables valued at millions of naira across the state.

Police spokesperson, SP Lawan Shi’isu, said in a statement that detectives in Hadejia foiled an attempt to vandalize a transformer at Matsaro Quarters on 18 August. A swift patrol response led to the arrest of eight suspects, aged between 18 and 36, from Jigawa, Bauchi, and Kano states.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted to conspiring in the vandalization of 15 transformers across multiple communities in Hadejia Emirate, including Auyaka, Gandun Sarki, Shagari, Jama’are, Agumu, Gawon Dogari, Old Motor Park, Matsaro, Jabo village in K/Hausa, and Yamide village in Auyo.

Police said the stolen equipment was sold in Kano State through identified receivers who have also been apprehended.

In a related incident on 2 September, police operatives in Bamaina arrested two suspects accused of removing armored cable wire worth ₦7 million.

The suspects allegedly transported the material to a secondary school classroom where it was set ablaze, and also confessed to stealing a laptop computer, mobile phone, and cash from a staff member of Jigawa State Academy of Gifted Bamaina.

Recovered exhibits include a laptop, mobile device, and parts of the vandalized cables. Investigations are ongoing to track down additional accomplices and receivers in Kano State.
Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, said the command is determined to curb the destruction of public infrastructure.

“There is no place for criminals to hide in Jigawa. Anyone found wanting will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.

He urged residents to report suspicious activity around electricity facilities, warning that vandalism undermines power supply and affects communities across the state.