The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against the vandalism of critical national infrastructure. Operatives have apprehended two individuals linked to the theft of equipment from telecommunications sites in two communities.
Swift Response Leads to Arrests
According to the State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, the command received a report on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. This report prompted an immediate investigation which resulted in the capture of two suspects. The vandalism was initially discovered by engineers from IHS Telecommunications Company on December 1, 2025, during a routine site assessment at locations in Eripa and Otan Ayegbaju.
The engineers found that the sites' backup batteries had been stolen, crippling the infrastructure's resilience during power outages. This discovery set the stage for the NSCDC's operation.
Suspects Confess to Roles in Theft
The arrested individuals have been identified as Arisekola, a 35-year-old commercial driver, and Alhaji Adedokun, a 50-year-old scrap dealer. Commandant Sotiyo confirmed that both men admitted their involvement in the crime during interrogation.
In his confessional statement, Arisekola, a resident of Iree, revealed that he was contacted to transport the vandalised items to Ikirun. His destination was the business of Alhaji Adedokun, who operates as a scrap dealer there.
Alhaji Adedokun also confessed to purchasing the stolen items. He acknowledged receiving the goods from Arisekola and specifically admitted to buying the 14 pieces of batteries that were removed from the two telecommunication sites.
Manhunt for Accomplices Continues
While these two are in custody, the NSCDC has disclosed that two other suspects connected to the case are currently at large. Commandant Sotiyo assured the public that operatives are actively working to track down and arrest the remaining individuals.
He reaffirmed the Corps' unwavering commitment to its mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure. Sotiyo emphasized that the NSCDC will continue to secure lives and property across Osun State, sending a strong warning to other would-be vandals.
This arrest highlights the ongoing challenge of safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure, which is vital for economic activity, security, and social connectivity in Nigeria.
