Three suspected vandals have been apprehended by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa.
CSC Adamu Shehu, the Corps’ Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse, saying the suspects were arrested for alleged conspiracy and theft, in violation of sections 286 and 96 and punishable under sections 96 and 97.
Shehu stated that the suspects were apprehended by NSCDC operatives in Gujungu town on March 20 at around 2 p.m.
“They connived and stole solar streetlights batteries along Hadejia road, Gujungu town, put in place by the Jigawa State Ministry of Works to illuminate the town and provide security.
“The suspects, who were caught while committing the crime, were in possession of two Roy 12V/150Ah solar batteries and a charge controller which were neatly removed from the streetlights trunks and were valued at N320,000,” the PRO said.
According to him, investigation revealed that 23 out of 130 solar streetlights along the major roads in the town had their batteries stolen.
Shehu said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be charged to court after investigations.
He further quoted the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Musa Malah, as strongly condemning the act and calling on residents to be vigilant and report all criminal activities to the nearest security formation in their localities. (NAN)