Lagos Police arrest five suspected telecom vandals, recover truckload of iron rods

Lagos Police arrest five suspected telecom vandals, recover truckload of iron rods

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected telecommunication vandals and recovered a truckload of suspected stolen iron rods in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

The suspects were allegedly caught stealing iron poles intended for the construction of telecommunication masts before they were apprehended while conveying the materials in a truck.

The suspects were identified as Mohammed Shaibu, 26; Musa Zakari, 29; Abdullahi Bala, 22; Salisu Musa, 18; and Yahuza Bala, 20.

The Command said the arrests were made as part of its intensified efforts to tackle vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure across Lagos State.

According to the police, the suspects are currently in custody, while the matter is being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.

The Command said discreet investigations were ongoing to track down other suspects who allegedly fled and establish the full extent of the alleged operation.

READ ALSO:

• Troops Arrest Female Gunrunner, Recover AK-47 in Plateau
• Why Atiku’s subsidy gambit rattles Tinubu, By Farooq Kperogi
• Tinubu’s order: EFCC lifts freeze on Osun government accounts

The police also acknowledged the support of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, saying the cooperation between the two security agencies contributed significantly to the successful operation and arrest of the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to protect critical infrastructure and ensure that anyone found responsible for vandalism is brought to justice.

Fatai also urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information about suspicious activities in their communities to security agencies.

The Command said members of the public can report emergencies and suspicious activities through its designated emergency lines, including 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, 08080193432 (Marine), and 09168630929.

The latest arrests highlight continuing security concerns over the vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, which can undermine network expansion, disrupt services and impose additional costs on infrastructure operators.

The police said investigations would continue to determine whether the five suspects allegedly acted alone or were connected to a wider network involved in the theft and movement of telecommunications infrastructure materials.

The suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.

Lagos Police arrest five suspected telecom vandals, recover truckload of iron rods