NSCDC Benue Arrests Five Suspects for Vandalism of Power Infrastructure

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Command, has arrested and paraded five male suspects aged between 20 and 35 years for alleged criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of vandalized materials.

The suspects — Gbenda Nyiter, Tersoo Bawa, Hanmakwagh James, Jeremiah Uker, and Moses Ikyobo — were apprehended between June 29th, 30th, and July 3rd, 2026, during routine patrols in Tse-Ivue, Tse-Dei communities of Guma Local Government Area, and around Lafia Junction North Bank area of Makurdi.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corps Ejelikwu Anebi Michael, the suspects belong to a syndicate specializing in vandalizing and trading public utilities. Items recovered from them include about 350 meters of aluminum conductors suspected to have been cut from power transmission lines and two unregistered yellow tricycles used for conveying the materials.

One of the suspects, Tersoo Bawa, reportedly admitted to the offence, while others claimed to be tricycle riders operating in Makurdi metropolis. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group conspired to vandalize power installations, causing disruption to electricity supply and economic losses.

The NSCDC warned scrap dealers against patronizing vandals and urged residents to report suspicious activities around public infrastructure. The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on vandalism of critical national assets, stating that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.