Suspect confesses to vandalizing installations across five states
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old man, Abdullahi Muhammad, suspected to be a member of a syndicate that vandalizes network service installations across northern Nigeria.
Spokesperson of the command, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi. He said the suspect was arrested in Jega town on November 7, 2025, following credible intelligence received by the police.
According to him, at about 7:30 a.m., a Sharon Ford vehicle, ash in colour, with registration number ABJ-581-HL, was seen moving suspiciously around Jega before being parked near Jega Roundabout. Acting on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jega Division swiftly mobilized his men to the location.
The police trailed the vehicle and arrested the suspect, Abdullahi Muhammad, who hails from Durbawa area in Sokoto State. A search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of several tools and materials suspected to have been used for vandalizing telecommunications installations.
Items recovered include two digging bars, one hacksaw, two scissors, one hammer, one cutter, a solar panel, twenty-one spanners, twenty-one battery head covers, one helmet and shirt, a wire cutter, two screwdrivers, and six torchlights.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to specializing in vandalizing network installation batteries across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, and Nasarawa States. He also mentioned three accomplices — Nasiru Galashi, Yahuza, and Aminu — who are currently at large.
The police said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Birnin Kebbi for discreet investigation and that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M. Sani, commended the DPO and his team for their swift action and commitment to duty. He described the arrest as a product of community participation and intelligence-driven policing.
The Commissioner assured residents of the command’s continued efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes across the state. He also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies for immediate response.
He further praised the people of Jega for their cooperation and urged others across the state to emulate their example to enhance public safety and security.
