The Kano State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has arrested at least seven suspects who are accused of vandalizing the soon to be commissioned Digital Industrial Park, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) in Kano city.
Daily News 24 reports that the NCC Digital Park was stormed on Thursday by hoodlums, who hijacked the peaceful End Bad Governance protests, where the looted items at the institution at Audu Bako Secretariate and then set the building on fire.
Viral video clips and photographs show the thugs carting away computers, furniture and other valuables from the NCC property.
However, on Friday, the NSCDC in a statement by its spokesperson, SC Ibrahim Idris Abdullahi, said seven suspects have been nabbed in connection with the crime.
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“Following credible intelligence from men of the NSCDC’S intelligence and investigation department of miscreants alleged to have vandalised/looted facilities at soon to be commissioned Digital Industrial Park, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Seven suspects have so far been arrested in possession with items comprising computer desktop sets, keyboards, LCD TV, executive chairs, doors,window frames, drawers etc,” the statement said.
It added that the arrest was effected by men of Anti-Vandalism, armed squad and operations department of the Corps
“The suspects were believed to have vandalised and stole the items yesterday in the wake of the protests, concealed them in a location within Audu Bako Secretariat complex beside Kano line motor park.
“They were retrieving the stolen products when personnel of the Corps pounced on and picked them up,” Mr Abdullahi explained.
The NSCDC also said four more suspected criminals have been arrested for allegedly vandalizing iron demarcating shields that separate the dual carriageway at State Road area leading to the Government House Kano.
“Additionally, four suspected criminals who vandalised state road dual carriageway iron demarcating shields have been captured while conveying the looted goods to an unknown destination,” the spokesperson said.
The statement further explained that operatives of the NSCDC on patrol duty on Friday by 1130hrs have successfully recovered a 50KVA Mikano generator from hoodlums in Dorayi area of the state.
It said the hoodlums were arrested while attempting to escape after vandalizing the generator set and trying to steal its parts.
“But on sighting our men, they abandoned it and took to their heels. The generator set supplied electricity to streetlights at Dorayi quarters, Gwale LGA”.
“Investigation has been launched with a view to take legal actions against the offenders.
“The NSCDC, Kano command under the able leadership of Commandant Mohammed Lawal Falala intensifies efforts in guarding critical national assets and public utilities in the state thereby warning criminals to stay away in vandalising public infrastructure,” the statement added.