The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected telecommunication vandals and recovered a truck full of iron bars allegedly stolen in the Ibeju-Lekki area of ​​the state.
A statement from the Lagos State Police Command said the arrest was made as part of the Command’s intensified efforts to address vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure across Lagos.
The suspects were identified as Mohammed Shaibu, 26; Musa Zakari, 29 years old; Abdullahi Bala, 22 years old; Salisu Musa, 18 years old; and Yahuza Bala, 20 years old.
According to the police, the suspects were caught stealing iron poles intended for the construction of telecommunications antennas. They were later detained while allegedly transporting the stolen materials in a truck.
The Command said the five suspects are currently in police custody, while the matter is investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba.
“A discreet investigation is underway to apprehend other fleeing suspects and unravel the full extent of their activities,” the statement said.
The police also acknowledged the support of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army and said the cooperation between both security agencies contributed significantly to the operation and the arrest of the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect critical infrastructure and ensure that those responsible for the vandalism are brought to justice.
He also encouraged residents to provide credible information to police whenever they notice suspicious activity within their communities.
The Command encouraged the public to report emergencies and suspicious activities through its emergency lines.
The suspects remain in police custody as the investigation into the alleged vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure materials continues.