By John Dike, Osogbo
Operatives of the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested a 60-year-old man, his 25-year-old son and another suspect over an alleged theft and illegal sale of electrical cables in Agbona Village, Iwo, Osun State.
The suspects were aged 60, 25, and 22.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Toma Mathew Enya, disclosed that the three suspects were arrested on Friday, September 4, 2026, by personnel of the Iwo Divisional Office following intelligence and investigations into the disappearance of electrical cables in the community.
Enya said the cables had been temporarily removed in November 2025 to facilitate road construction works in Agbona Village.
According to him, the removal was carried out by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in collaboration with community leaders, after which the cables were packaged and stored near the residence of one of the villagers, for safekeeping.
The Commandant explained that the situation changed after some of the cables allegedly began disappearing gradually, prompting the NSCDC to commence an investigation into the matter.
He said the investigation eventually led to the arrest of the three suspects.
Enya said preliminary findings indicated that the suspects allegedly removed the electrical cables in stages and sold them to a metal scrap dealer and scavenger, who is currently at large.
According to the Commandant, the suspects allegedly confessed during preliminary investigation to selling the stolen cables on two separate occasions for a total sum of ₦100,000.
He said the Command was intensifying efforts to apprehend the suspected receiver, adding that the three arrested suspects would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
Enya described the alleged offence as a serious matter involving the vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure.
He warned members of the public against buying, selling or dealing in stolen government property and other critical infrastructure.
The NSCDC boss also urged members of the public to provide security agencies with useful information that could assist in preventing the theft and vandalism of electrical installations and other public infrastructure.
He stressed that the protection of critical infrastructure required the cooperation of security agencies, government institutions and members of the communities where such facilities were located.
The Commandant assured residents of the state that the NSCDC would continue to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering to curb vandalism, theft and other crimes capable of disrupting essential services.
He added that the Command would ensure that anyone found culpable after investigation would face the full weight of the law.
