The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has issued a stern warning to its customers against purchasing electricity meters from unauthorised sources, saying that doing so fuels meter theft and could result in legal consequences.

Communications Officer of the company, Blessing Tunoh, said the caution follows a worrying rise in meter theft across Adamawa State, with four cases recorded in Jimeta alone in January 2025.

He said, “However, swift action by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) led to the recovery of all four stolen meters and the arrest of three suspects.”

According to YEDC, two of the stolen meters were found in rented residential apartments in Jokems, Jambutu, while another was retrieved from a shop owner in Rumdebaru bye-pass, both in Yola North Local Government Area.

A fourth case, reported on Barracks Road, remains under investigation as the prime suspect is still at large. The buyer of the stolen meter in this case was initially detained but later released based on preliminary findings.

In a related crackdown, security operatives also arrested three other individuals for offences including unauthorised meter removal, unlawful intrusion around power infrastructure, and involvement in meter theft.

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YEDC has reiterated that all meter purchases and installations should be done through its official offices, warning that anyone found in possession of a stolen meter will be treated as an accomplice.

“Meter theft is a criminal offence punishable by law, with offenders facing up to three years in prison or a hefty fine,” the company stated.

Customers have been urged to remain vigilant, report stolen meters to the nearest police station, and submit an official complaint with a police extract at the nearest YEDC office.