According to a report by Punch on Tuesday 14th April 2026,the Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspects for allegedly vandalising a public transformer and selling its components in the state.
The suspects Muhammad Auwali, also known as Aburare (51), Inusa Lawan (53), and Hassan Ibrahim (27) were apprehended by operatives of the Garin Alkali Division following credible intelligence;They are believed to be residents of the Bursari and Gashua areas in Bade Local Government Area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects conspired to vandalise a transformer located at the YTV Booster Station in Garin Alkali, Bursari LGA. The transformer was reportedly dismantled, and some of its metal components were sold.
Police further disclosed that one accomplice, identified simply as Ozu, is currently on the run, with efforts underway to track and arrest him.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime and admitted selling parts of the vandalised transformer for ₦250,000, with ₦150,000 already paid.
Authorities said some parts of the damaged transformer have been recovered, while investigations are ongoing; The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kamfani Jibrin, commended officers for their swift response and reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for vandalism;He warned that there would be no safe haven for criminals in the state and directed intensified operations to curb such activities.
He also urged scrap metal dealers to avoid buying suspicious materials and encouraged members of the public to provide useful information to aid law enforcement.