Police in Kogi State have arrested a man accused of repeatedly vandalizing government infrastructure, officials said Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The suspect, identified as Umoru Faruk Unusah, was caught stealing cable wires from a solar-powered streetlight in Idah Local Government Area. Authorities said he was arrested on the spot while trying to remove the cables late at night.

Police said Unusah is well known in the community and has been linked to other cases of vandalism in the area. Investigators believe he may be part of a wider problem involving the destruction and theft of public property in Kogi State.

Kogi State police spokesperson said the arrest followed increased patrols aimed at protecting government assets. “Our officers responded quickly and caught the suspect in the act. He is now in custody and will be charged in court,” the spokesperson said.

Residents of Idah have long complained about theft and damage to public infrastructure, including power cables, solar lights, and water facilities. Many community members say such crimes slow down development and leave basic services broken.

One resident, Musa Ibrahim, told reporters that people in the area are frustrated. “Each time the government provides us with light or water, some people destroy it for their own gain. We all suffer when these things are vandalized,” he said.

Authorities say solar-powered streetlights were installed in several parts of Idah to improve security at night and support local businesses. But frequent theft of cables and batteries has left many of the lights nonfunctional.

“This is not just about one man stealing wires. It is about protecting government investment meant to help the community,” said a senior local official. “We cannot continue to spend money replacing stolen items while other communities are waiting for development projects.”

Police have urged residents to report suspicious movements and cooperate with security agencies. They also warned that anyone caught vandalizing or buying stolen government property will face prosecution.

Unusah’s arrest is part of a wider crackdown on theft of public infrastructure across Nigeria. In recent months, authorities have reported cases of railway track vandalism, pipeline destruction, and theft of electrical equipment in several states.

Security experts say such crimes are often driven by poverty and the illegal scrap market, where stolen cables and metals are sold. However, they stress that the long-term damage is much greater than the short-term profit criminals make.

“When infrastructure is vandalized, communities lose services that are critical to daily life,” said security analyst Daniel Ojo. “It also discourages investors and creates more insecurity.”

In Kogi State, the government has promised to work closely with police and local leaders to reduce vandalism. Officials said they plan to introduce stronger community watch groups and tougher penalties for offenders.

For now, residents of Idah hope that the arrest of Unusah will send a clear message to others planning similar crimes.

“We want this to be the last time,” said Ibrahim, the local resident. “Government property belongs to all of us. If one person destroys it, we all lose.”

Police said Unusah remains in custody and an investigation is ongoing. He is expected to appear in court once the case is prepared.

Authorities urged the public to protect and value government projects, stressing that development can only succeed when communities take responsibility for shared resources.