Yobe Police Detain Two Suspects in Transformer Theft at Sabon Gari, Gashua
In a recent operation, officers from the Yobe State Police Command successfully apprehended two police-arrest-10-stolen-motorcycle-receivers-recover-7/” title=”Kano … Crack Down: Arrest 10 Motorcycle Thieves' Receivers, Recover Seven Stolen Bikes”>individuals suspected of stealing electricity transformers in Sabon Gari, located within the Bade Local Government Area.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The arrest was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who revealed that the suspects were detained by personnel from the Yusufari Divisional Police Headquarters. The individuals, identified as 23-year-old Kabiru Ibrahim and 24-year-old Abubakar Abubakar, both residents of Sabon Gari in Bade LGA, were caught dismantling transformer parts and cables in the Sunomari district of Yusufari Town.
According to SP Abdulkarim, the police acted on reliable intelligence tips, leading to the suspects’ capture. During questioning, both men admitted involvement in the theft. Authorities have recovered multiple stolen electrical components from them, and investigations are ongoing to prepare for formal charges.
Community Reaction and Law Enforcement Response
Local youths expressed strong condemnation of the suspects’ repeated offenses, labeling their actions as a persistent problem within the community. In a display of anger, some residents set fire to a motorcycle owned by one of the accused and attempted to carry out a mob justice attack.
In response, the Commissioner of Police for Yobe State, CP Emmanuel Ado, denounced the vandalism and urged the community to exercise patience and allow the judicial system to handle the matter appropriately. He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities and assured that justice would be administered fairly and transparently.
CP Ado also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious behavior to the nearest police station or security agency to help curb such crimes effectively.
Context and Broader Implications
Transformer theft has become a significant challenge across various Nigerian states, disrupting power supply and causing economic setbacks. According to recent data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), vandalism of electrical infrastructure accounts for approximately 15% of power outages nationwide, costing the sector millions of Naira annually.
Similar incidents have been reported in neighboring regions, where community policing initiatives and increased surveillance have shown promise in reducing such crimes. The Yobe State Police Command’s proactive approach in this case highlights the importance of intelligence-led operations in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
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