3 suspected transformer vandals arrested in Yobe

Sunday, July 26, 2026 -The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspects over an alleged theft of an electric transformer components and power cables in Sabon Gari community, Bade Local Government Area in the state.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026 said the bundle of electric cables were recovered from Abubakar Idris, an aluminium local pot maker. 

According to the PPRO, further investigation led to the arrest of Sumaila Suleiman and Ibrahim Ado. 

“The Yobe State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained efforts to protect critical national infrastructure with the arrest of three suspected vandals involved in the theft and unlawful possession of power cables and other public utility materials,” the statement read.

"On 23rd July, 2026, at about 1300hrs, operatives of the Area Command, Gashua, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Abubakar Idris, 27 years old, an aluminium pot maker of Sabon Gari Area, Gashua Local Government Area, in possession of suspected stolen power cables.  

"During the operation, two large bundles of power cables were recovered from the suspect.

"The investigation further led to the arrest of Sumaila Suleiman, 25 years old, and Ibrahim Ado, 26 years old. 

"The operatives also recovered a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) with Registration No. 497 DPH, allegedly used in transporting the stolen items, as well as one unregistered Boxer motorcycle believed to have been used in the criminal operation.

"Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are currently at large and to determine the source and ownership of the recovered items.

"The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, has reiterated the Command's zero tolerance for vandalism, destruction of public infrastructure, and other acts of economic sabotage. 

"He has directed all tactical and investigative units to intensify efforts in tracking down all fleeing members of the criminal syndicate to ensure they are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. 

“The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police to safeguard critical public infrastructure and enhance security across the State.”