The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged vandalism of a streetlight cable and an electricity transformer in separate incidents in the state.
The arrests occurred in New Gwaram, Gwaram Local Government Area, and Maskangayu, Auyo Local Government Area, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, in Dutse on Sunday.
The police identified the first suspect as Aminu Musa, 38, a resident of New Gwaram Town, who was allegedly caught cutting an armoured cable connected to a streetlight on September 25, 2026.
Adam said Musa, who reportedly operated a generator used to power streetlights in the community, was apprehended by police officers while allegedly committing the offence.
He added that the suspect was taken to the police station, while officers visited the scene and recovered relevant exhibits. Preliminary investigations were subsequently conducted, and the case was charged to court for prosecution.
In a separate incident on September 29, residents reportedly apprehended a 26-year-old man, Laminu Sha’aibu, at Maskangayu Village in Auyo LGA, after allegedly finding him with dismantled transformer coils.
The suspect, who hails from Gumusuwa Village in Kafin Hausa LGA, was reportedly at risk of being lynched by an angry mob when police officers arrived following information about the incident.
The police spokesperson said officers rescued him and took him to a nearby primary health centre for medical attention. He was treated and later discharged, while the recovered transformer components were taken into custody.
According to Adam, preliminary findings indicated that the suspect claimed to have spent three nights dismantling the transformer without being detected.
He said investigations were conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding both incidents and determine whether other individuals were involved. The police subsequently charged both cases before the appropriate court for prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Tijjani Murtala, commended residents whose timely reports helped the police apprehend the suspects.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, particularly those involving the vandalism of electricity installations, streetlights and other public infrastructure.
He also assured the public that the command would continue to collaborate with communities and other stakeholders to protect public facilities and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
