By Ita Williams
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, has intensified its campaign against the vandalism of critical national infrastructure with the arrest of a suspected scrap metal dealer allegedly linked to the illegal trade in stolen telecommunications equipment.
The Command further disclosed that, “The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation that uncovered what security officials described as a network involved in dismantling and selling components stolen from telecommunications facilities in Odukpani Local Government Area”
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Orok Kinini-Iyeme, the latest suspect, 24-year-old Abdulraman Suleiman, also known as “Fulani,” was arrested for allegedly receiving stolen components removed from an ATC Base Transceiver Station (BTS).
The Command explained further that the development came days after the arrest of the principal suspect, 23-year-old Bassey Bassey Inyang, who was apprehended on July 15, 2026, while allegedly attempting to vandalise an ATC BTS facility located at Odukpani Junction.
Investigators said the principal suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation that he had removed valuable components from the telecom installation and sold them to a local scrap dealer operating within the area.
According to the statement, “The suspect had admitted purchasing the metal components from the principal suspect on two occasions, he reportedly claimed he was unaware they were stolen” The Command, however, said it was not persuaded by the explanation.
“Investigations have expanded to identify and apprehend other alleged members of the network, including another suspected receiver identified as Abdul at Jadawa and an alleged financier, Saleh, who are currently at large, “the agency has disclosed.
Speaking on the development, State Commandant Okarazu Chima said the Command was determined to dismantle every illegal market encouraging the destruction of national infrastructure.
“The arrest of this receiver confirms what we have always known: vandals only operate because there is a ready, illicit market waiting to buy these stolen goods,” Chima said.
“Let this serve as a final warning to all scrap metal dealers and scavengers in Cross River State. Ignorance is not an excuse under the law. Anyone found purchasing telecom batteries, cables or mounting frames without verifiable and authorised sources will be treated as an economic saboteur. We are coming after every member of this network.”
The Command added that both suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. It also disclosed that officials of ATC have been contacted to assess the value of the recovered equipment before the suspects are arraigned in court.
