Police arrest five suspected telecom vandals in Lagos, 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 the state.

A statement by the Lagos State Police Command said the arrest was made as part of the Command’s intensified efforts to tackle the vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure across Lagos.

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

According to the police, the suspects were allegedly caught stealing iron poles intended for the construction of telecommunication masts. They were subsequently arrested while allegedly conveying the stolen materials in a truck.

The Command said the five suspects are currently in police custody, while the matter is being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba.

“Discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and unravel the full extent of their activities,” the statement said.  

The police also acknowledged the support of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, saying the cooperation between both security agencies contributed significantly to the operation and the 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 those responsible for vandalism are brought to justice.

He also encouraged residents to provide credible information to the police whenever they notice suspicious activities within their communities.

The Command encouraged members of the public to report emergencies and suspicious activities through its emergency lines.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues into the alleged vandalism and theft of the telecommunication infrastructure materials.