The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has arrested eight suspected vandals and thieves during an intelligence-led operation in the State.

The suspects were arrested on July 27, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department, who acted on credible intelligence.

Briefing journalists on Monday, the State Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, said the suspects were arrested around Idokpa Market axis of the Auchi Bypass, as part of efforts to curb vandalism and other criminal activities in the state.

According to him, the operation followed an earlier warning to scavengers, scrap dealers and buyers of stolen property to desist from their activities or face prosecution.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly been terrorising residents and business owners around the Auchi Bypass and Idokpa Market areas by breaking into mechanic workshops to steal working tools, vandalising electrical cables from residential buildings, and carting away aluminium windows and other valuable household fittings.

He listed the suspects to include Suhailu Muriga, 20; Rabiu Umah, 20; Frederick Phillip, 26; Sumila Abdul Ganiu, 25; Anthony Wisdom, 22; and Osamudiame Otahegbogie, 19, among others.

“The suspects had made useful confessional statements, and investigations is ongoing to identify and arrest those sponsoring, harbouring, financing or purchasing stolen and vandalised items from them.”

He assured that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, warning those involved in vandalism, theft or the purchase of stolen property to desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He warned individuals impersonating security personnel or harassing members of the public under the guise of enforcing the recent pronouncement of the Edo State House of Assembly, as the proposed legislation had not yet become law. (Daily Trust)