NSCDC Arrests 39-Year-Old Man Over Telecom Mast Vandalism in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 39-year-old man over the alleged vandalism of an IHS-MTN telecommunications mast in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspect, identified as Anuba Lucky Chisom, is from Amaputa, Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State. He was reportedly apprehended by NSCDC operatives during a routine patrol following intelligence about suspicious movements at the telecommunications facility.

Parading the suspect at the NSCDC State Command Headquarters in Awka, the State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, said preliminary investigations suggested a possible link between the suspect and a syndicate allegedly involved in telecommunications infrastructure vandalism across the state.

Maku said the arrest was made after Anti-Vandal operatives received credible information about unusual activity inside an IHS-MTN mast with site number IHS_ANA_0888A, situated near the palace of the traditional ruler of Okpuno.

“The team swooped on the suspect and apprehended him at the scene with vandalised cables and other components of the mast,” the commandant disclosed.

According to him, the suspect allegedly confessed to vandalising two other sites before his arrest, blaming his actions on unemployment.

The NSCDC commandant, however, maintained that economic hardship could not excuse the destruction of critical infrastructure, warning that the Corps would intensify efforts to track down individuals involved in such crimes.

“Unemployment is not a licence for crime,” Maku declared, warning suspected vandals and economic saboteurs that they would be pursued and brought to justice.

He commended the operatives involved in the arrest and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical infrastructure across Anambra State.

Maku also called on residents to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious activities around telecommunications installations and other public assets.

He has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case, with the suspect expected to be charged to court upon its conclusion.

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