By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in Anambra State for allegedly vandalizing and stealing equipment from an MTN telecommunication mast at Agu-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Nweke Friday Wisdom, was reportedly apprehended by locals on Thursday, October 1, during the Independence Day holiday, and subsequently handed over to operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Media and Tactical Ops of Command, SC Okadigbo Edwin, the suspect was arrested at about 7:20 a.m. at Esther Obiakor Estate, Agu-Awka, following a distress call concerning the presence of a suspected vandal at the mast.
The Command said the suspect was found with items believed to have been removed from the mast installation, including DC/armoured cable.
The NSCDC Anambra Spokesman, who confirmed this on behalf of the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect allegedly specialised in vandalising telecommunication masts and stealing valuable equipment from them.
The Commandant further disclosed that the suspect had made some useful confessions during preliminary investigation, adding that he would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation.
Olatunde reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, warning persons involved in vandalism to desist from the act or face the consequences of the law.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities around critical infrastructure and other sensitive installations.
The Commandant further stressed that the cooperation of residents remained important to the protection of critical national assets and the improvement of security across the state.
Watch the video below:
