NSCDC arrests suspected vandal in Anambra

The Nigeria Security and Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has arrested a suspect for vandalising public utilities and private properties in the state.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, while speaking on Wednesday at the command’s headquarters in Awka, the state capital, while parading the suspect arrested by the command in collaboration with vigilante operatives of Onitsha South LGA, issued a stern warning to iron scavengers, also known as “ndi akpakara” or “iron kwandem”.

Olatunde warned them to cease destroying public and private properties in the state or face severe legal consequences, adding that the suspect was arrested on Tuesday.

He said, “On March 4, 2025, at about 17:45hrs, one Zakari Yahui, male, aged 25 from Misau town, Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was apprehended at Silas Street, Fegge Onitsha.

“He was caught destroying and breaking the walls of the gutter, pulling out the iron rods, with an intent to sell them as scrap.

“The suspect confessed to the crime admitting to vandalism of multiple metal objects and selling them in separate transactions to a scrap vendor.”

Meanwhile, the state commandant has ordered the Intelligence/ Investigation Department to conduct further investigations, upon conclusion, the suspect would be charged to court.

The NSCDC State helmsman said the command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those involved in the destruction of public utilities, private properties and vandalism of critical national state, and local government assets are brought to justice, while their collaborators, those buying or selling vandalized materials, would not be spared.

“The Command is out to stop the activities of those who want to sabotage and destroy properties belonging to either government or individuals,” he added.