The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has arrested six suspected vandals for the illegal removal and theft of railway sleepers in Kiru Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commandant, Mohammed Agalama, disclosed this at a news conference held at the command’s headquarters in Kano on Wednesday.
“The NSCDC Kano State Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of six suspects involved in the illegal removal and theft of railway sleepers in Kiru Local Government Area,” he said.
Agalama explained that the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the command following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.
“The individuals were caught in the act of tampering with railway infrastructure, an offence that constitutes economic sabotage and poses serious threats to public safety and national development,” he added.
He identified the suspects as Sulaiman Salisu, 45; Musa Aliyu Harisu, 22; Ishaq Alhassan, 20; Isa Aminu, 35; Sadiq Bala, 20; and Mansur Idris, 22, all from Kaduna State.
Items recovered from the suspects include vandalised railway sleepers, 60 railway nuts, and tools used in carrying out the operation, including a 50kg gas cylinder, a 5kg gas cylinder, and a 20-metre hose.
According to the commandant, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were engaged in the illegal activity with the intent to sell the materials for personal gain.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and warned that acts of vandalism would be met with decisive legal action.
Agalama added that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The NSCDC Kano State Command remains committed to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the security of lives and property in the state,” he said.
