The Jigawa State Police Command has apprehended two individuals over the alleged vandalism of a streetlight cable in New Gwaram and an electrical transformer in Auyo Local Government Area of the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists in Dutse, the state capital, on Sunday, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam.
Adam said the first suspect, identified as 38-year-old Aminu Musa of New Gwaram Town in Gwaram LGA, was arrested on September 25, 2026, for allegedly cutting the armoured cable of a streetlight in the community.
The police spokesperson stated, “The suspect, who is an operator of a streetlight generator in the area, was arrested by police operatives while committing the act.”
He explained that the suspect was taken to the police station, while officers visited the scene and recovered relevant exhibits.
Adam added that “preliminary investigation was conducted and the case has been charged to court for prosecution.”
In a separate incident, the PPRO disclosed that police received information on September 29, 2026, from Ayan village in Auyo LGA that residents had apprehended another suspect.
The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Laminu Sha’aibu of Gumusuwa Village in Kafin Hausa LGA.
“The suspect was arrested at Maskangayu Village, Auyo LGA, in possession of vandalised transformer coils and was about to be lynched by a mob,” he stated.
According to Adam, police operatives immediately responded to the report, rescued the suspect and conveyed him to the nearest Primary Health Centre for medical treatment.
He said the suspect was treated and later discharged, while the vandalised transformer was also recovered.
“During the investigation, the suspect stated that he had spent three nights dismantling the transformer without being detected,” Adam said.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the offences and determine whether other individuals were involved.
He confirmed that “following the completion of the investigation, both cases have been charged before the appropriate court for prosecution in accordance with the law.”
Adam further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, praised members of the public for providing timely information that led to the suspects’ arrests.
He quoted the commissioner as urging residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities, particularly attempts to vandalise electricity installations, streetlights and other public infrastructure.
The commissioner also assured residents that the command would continue collaborating with communities and relevant stakeholders to safeguard public property and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.