Yobe Police arrest three suspects over alleged theft of power cables and transformer components in Gashua, recovering a tricycle and motorcycle.
The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged theft of power cables and other electrical infrastructure materials in the Sabon Gari area of Gashua, Bade Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested following an intelligence-led operation carried out by police operatives attached to the Area Command, Gashua, as part of efforts to clamp down on the vandalism and theft of critical public infrastructure across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to the police, officers received credible intelligence about the alleged possession and movement of suspected stolen electrical materials before launching the operation.
Acting on the information, police operatives arrested a 27-year-old man identified as Abubakar Idris, an aluminium local pot maker residing in the Sabon Gari area.
The police said Idris was found in possession of two large bundles of power cables suspected to have been stolen.
His arrest reportedly opened the way for further investigation into the alleged theft and the identities of other people who may have been involved.
The investigation later led to the arrest of two other suspects identified as 25-year-old Sumaila Suleiman and 26-year-old Ibrahim Ado.
The Yobe State Police Command said the arrests marked another major step in its efforts to protect critical infrastructure and disrupt activities linked to the vandalism and theft of public utility materials.
In addition to the suspected stolen power cables, police operatives recovered a tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, with registration number 497 DPH.
The vehicle was allegedly used to transport the electrical materials believed to have been stolen.
A Boxer motorcycle without a registration number was also recovered during the operation. Police authorities said the motorcycle was suspected to have been used in connection with the alleged criminal activities.
The command said investigations had not been concluded, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the suspected syndicate who are currently at large.
Investigators are also expected to determine the original source of the recovered cables and establish their rightful ownership as the probe progresses.
The arrest of the three suspects comes as security agencies continue to intensify efforts to prevent the vandalism of electricity infrastructure and other public utilities in different parts of the country.
The theft or destruction of power cables and transformer components can disrupt electricity supply to communities while also exposing residents to serious safety risks.
The Yobe Police Command said it would not relent in its efforts to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the vandalism of public infrastructure.
The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, has directed tactical and investigative units to intensify the search for other suspects connected to the alleged crime.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance policy towards the destruction of public infrastructure, vandalism and other activities considered acts of economic sabotage.
He directed police operatives to ensure that fleeing members of the suspected criminal group are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner further called for increased intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between security agencies and residents to prevent criminals from targeting public facilities.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around electricity installations and other critical infrastructure.
Residents were encouraged to provide timely and credible information to the police, particularly when they observe individuals attempting to remove power cables, transformer components or other public utility materials without authorisation.
The police said information from members of the public would assist security agencies in identifying criminal networks and preventing further damage to critical infrastructure in Yobe State.
The command assured residents that it would continue to take decisive action against individuals involved in infrastructure vandalism and other criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the three suspects remain under investigation as the police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft of the power cables and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The recovered electrical materials and vehicles are expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators.
The police said the investigation would also focus on identifying the suspected members of the group who are still at large and bringing them before the appropriate authorities.
The latest arrests underscore the importance of protecting electricity infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in supporting businesses, households and economic activities.
The Yobe State Police Command has therefore urged residents to remain security-conscious and work closely with law enforcement agencies to safeguard public facilities.
As the investigation continues, the police have reiterated their determination to ensure that those responsible for the alleged theft and vandalism of public infrastructure are brought to justice.
The command said it would continue to pursue all available leads until the remaining suspects are apprehended and the full network behind the alleged operation is uncovered.
