On 21 October 2026, the [Jigawa State Police Command](https://jigawapolice.gov.ng) detained three individuals suspected of vandalising and stealing high‑tension and armoured electrical cables in the Guri and Dutse Local Government Areas. One suspect was caught in Guri carrying a concealed cable, while two others were apprehended at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse.
**Who were the arrested suspects?**
The police disclosed that a 23‑year‑old man named Abdullahi Maina, originally from Fulatari Quarters in Nguru LGA of Yobe State, was arrested at about 9:30 am on 21 October in Guri. In Dutse, operatives seized two additional suspects – 20‑year‑old Ahmed Garba and 25‑year‑old Abdullahi Garba, both residents of Jigawar Tsada town.
**What was recovered?**
During the Guri operation, officers recovered a high‑tension cable that had been hidden inside a sack. The cable was taken into police custody for forensic examination. In the Dutse raid, investigators reported that the two younger suspects had broken into the Manpower Development Institute and removed armoured cables from the facility.
**What did the police say?**
Police Public Relations Officer SP Shiisu Lawan Adam released a statement on Saturday, 24 October, confirming the arrests and emphasizing that the recovered cable would be examined further. He added that investigations were ongoing to identify any additional accomplices. Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command CP Tijjani Murtala reiterated the force’s dedication to safeguarding public infrastructure, stating, "We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station."
**What are the next steps?**
All three suspects remain in police custody while the [State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)](https://jigawapolice.gov.ng/scid) in Dutse conducts a detailed inquiry. Upon completion of the investigation, the suspects are expected to be arraigned before a competent court.
The police have called on residents to cooperate with security agencies in protecting essential infrastructure and to assist in preventing further acts of vandalism and theft across Jigawa State.