NSCDC Arrests 39 Year Old Suspect Over MTN Mast Vandalism in Awka
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested a 39 year old man over the alleged vandalism of an IHS MTN telecommunications mast at Okpuno, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Temporary Site in Awka.
The suspect, identified as Anuba Lucky Chisom, from Amaputa, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, was arrested at about 4 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following intelligence received by operatives during routine patrol.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this while parading the suspect at the Command’s headquarters in Awka.
According to the Commandant, anti vandalism operatives received information about suspicious movement inside an IHS MTN mast bearing site number IHS_ANA_0888A at Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area.
He said the operatives moved to the location and apprehended the suspect with allegedly vandalised cables and other components of the telecommunications facility.
The NSCDC said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect might be linked to a syndicate allegedly responsible for vandalising infrastructure in the state.
The Commandant further disclosed that the suspect had reportedly admitted to vandalising two other sites, attributing his actions to unemployment.
Olatunde condemned the destruction of critical infrastructure, warning that the Corps would not tolerate attacks on public and private assets essential to the state’s development and security.
He stressed that unemployment was not a justification for criminal activity and warned individuals involved in infrastructure vandalism to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The Command has directed a thorough investigation into the case, after which the suspect is expected to be charged to court.
The NSCDC also urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support efforts to protect critical infrastructure across Anambra State.
