Israel Adebiyi
In line with its statutory mandate to secure critical national assets and infrastructure, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has secured the conviction of two suspected vandals arrested in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Command disclosed this during a press briefing, noting that the two suspects were among five persons arraigned before a competent court for allegedly vandalising critical national assets in the area.
While two of the suspects have been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment each, the remaining three are still in custody pending further judicial proceedings.
The NSCDC said the convictions underscore its commitment to protecting government infrastructure and safeguarding national economic interests from acts of vandalism and sabotage.
The Command also announced the arrest of a suspect, identified as Esosa Godsent Osagie, in connection with the alleged theft of about 60 litres of diesel from an MTN telecommunications mast facility in Utesi.
According to the Corps, the arrest followed reports of repeated theft incidents at the facility. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command, in collaboration with local vigilante personnel, apprehended the suspect on June 13, 2026.
The NSCDC stated that preliminary investigations are ongoing to verify statements made by the suspect and to identify other individuals who may be linked to the incident.
Reaffirming its resolve to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the state, the Corps warned that it would continue to pursue economic saboteurs and ensure that offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The Command, under the leadership of
Commandant Saidi Akintayo Ayinla, further urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies to aid efforts at combating vandalism, theft and other crimes targeting public and private infrastructure.
