The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Command, has arrested and paraded five male suspects over their alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of vandalized materials.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 35 years, were apprehended on June 29, June 30, and July 3, 2026, during routine patrols conducted by NSCDC operatives along the Tse-Ivue and Tse-Dei communities in Guma local government area, as well as around the Lafia Junction/North Bank area of Makurdi local government area.
According to the Command, the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of a syndicate allegedly involved in vandalizing and trading in public utilities.
The suspects were identified as Gbenda Nyiter, Tersoo Bawa, Hanmakwagh James, Jeremiah Uker, and Moses Ikyobo.
Items recovered from the suspects include approximately 350 metres of aluminium conductors suspected to have been cut from power transmission lines and two unregistered yellow tricycles allegedly used to transport the materials.
The NSCDC said one of the suspects, Tersoo Bawa, admitted to the offence during preliminary investigation, while two others claimed they were tricycle riders operating within Makurdi metropolis.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects allegedly conspired to vandalize power installations around the Tse-Dei and Tse-Ivue communities in Guma Local Government Area, resulting in disruption of electricity supply and economic losses to the government.
Speaking while parading the suspects, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corps (SC) Ejelikwu Anebi Michael, reiterated the Corps’ zero-tolerance policy against the vandalism of critical national assets.
He stated that the State Commandant, Commandant of Corps (CC) L.A. Bitrus, had intensified efforts to ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice.
“The NSCDC will not relent in its mandate to protect critical national assets and infrastructure. Vandalism is an act of grave economic sabotage, and anyone caught will face the full weight of the law. We commend members of the public for their continuous support through credible information and urge communities to remain vigilant,” he said.
The Command also warned scrap dealers and buyers against patronizing vandals, stressing that anyone found in possession of vandalized materials would be treated as an accomplice under Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The NSCDC disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the alleged syndicate, adding that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command appealed to residents of Benue State to report suspicious activities around public infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC formation or through its emergency lines: 09022991199, 08036138130, and 07035830209.