Yobe Police Apprehend Three Suspects in Transformer Vandalism Case
In a significant crackdown on criminal activities targeting public infrastructure, the Yobe State Police Command has successfully arrested three individuals suspected of vandalising and stealing vital components from an electricity transformer. The incident occurred in Bade Local Council, highlighting ongoing challenges in safeguarding critical assets in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The suspects, identified as Muhammad Auwali, 51; Inusa Lawan, 53; and Hassan Ibrahim, 27, all residents of the Bursari-Gashua area, were apprehended based on credible intelligence. According to SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command's spokesperson, operatives from the Garin Alkali Police Division carried out the arrest on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m. An accomplice known as Ozu remains at large, with police efforts ongoing to locate and detain this individual.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects conspired to vandalise a transformer located at the Yobe State Television (YTV) booster station in Garin Alkali, within Bursari Local Council. They systematically dismantled the transformer and sold some of its metal components for financial gain. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, admitting they sold parts of the vandalised transformer to Hassan Ibrahim for N250,000, with N150,000 already paid.
Recovery and Ongoing Efforts
Police operatives have successfully recovered parts of the vandalised transformer, underscoring their commitment to restoring public property and deterring future incidents. The investigation is currently ongoing, and once completed, the suspects will be formally charged in court to face legal consequences for their actions.
Police Commissioner's Statement and Warnings
The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kamfani Jibrin, praised the operatives for their swift action and directed intensified operations to eliminate criminal elements from the state. He issued a stern warning, stating that vandals will find no safe haven anywhere in Yobe and emphasized that anyone involved in such activities will face the full weight of the law.
Additionally, Commissioner Jibrin cautioned scrap metal dealers against purchasing suspected stolen items, urging them to cooperate with security agencies to protect critical public infrastructure. He called on the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the nearest police station, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in crime prevention.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat infrastructure vandalism, which disrupts essential services and poses significant economic and social risks. The Yobe State Police Command continues to prioritize the security of public assets, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and deterring similar crimes in the future.
