The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps [NSCDC], Cross River State Command, has arrested two suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in vandalising telecommunications infrastructure in Odukpani Local Government Area, while security operatives have launched a manhunt for other fleeing suspects.
According to the NSCDC, the operation was carried out over three days as part of efforts to protect Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The command said the breakthrough began on July 15 when operatives arrested 23-year-old Bassey Inyang, who was allegedly caught attempting to vandalise an ATC telecommunications base station at Odukpani Junction. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted stripping equipment from the facility and selling the stolen items to a scrap dealer.
Acting on the information provided, the State Commandant, CC Okarazu Chima, deployed a joint team of intelligence officers, CNII personnel and officers from the Odukpani Division. The team later raided a suspected receiving point near Odukpani Flyover, where 24-year-old Abdulraman Suleiman, popularly known as "Fulani", was arrested. He was identified by the command as the alleged major receiver of stolen telecom equipment.
The NSCDC said a search of the suspect's premises led to the recovery of a large black metal radio mounting frame, which officials of the telecom company confirmed was part of the vandalised mast. Although Suleiman allegedly admitted buying the equipment on two occasions, he reportedly claimed he did not know the items were stolen. The command, however, dismissed the explanation.
Speaking on the development, Commandant Okarazu warned that those who buy stolen telecom materials are just as guilty as those who steal them. He stressed that anyone found purchasing telecom batteries, cables, mounting frames or other communication equipment from unauthorized sources would be treated as an economic saboteur and prosecuted accordingly.
The command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to arrest two other suspects believed to be part of the syndicate, including an alleged receiver identified as Mr. Abdul of Jadawa and another suspect identified as Mr. Saleh, who is alleged to be the financier of the operation. The two suspects currently in custody are expected to be charged in court after investigations are concluded, while the affected telecom company is carrying out an assessment of the recovered equipment.
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