The Kano State Security Neighbourhood Watch Corps has arrested two men suspected of vandalising government property and stealing metal fences installed around Kofar Nasarawa Bridge in Kano Municipal.
The suspects, identified as Abba Aminu, 30, of Durmin Zungura Quarters, Kano Municipal, and Yusha’u Nasiru, 26, from Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State, were arrested at about 4am on Tuesday during a security operation.
The Deputy Commander-General of the corps, Major Adamu Abubakar (retd.), disclosed this while parading the suspects, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Yusuf Abubakar Ibrahim.
Abubakar said the corps would continue to intensify operations against vandalism and other criminal activities targeting public infrastructure across the state.
“We will not relent in our efforts to combat criminality, vandalism and sabotage that threaten public safety and undermine the protection of government infrastructure,” he said.
He warned that the destruction and theft of public property could result in financial losses for the government and expose residents to avoidable safety risks.
“The protection of government property is a collective responsibility. Vandalism does not only cause financial losses; it can also endanger the lives and safety of members of the public,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The arrest comes amid efforts by security agencies to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and theft, which can increase government maintenance costs and undermine the safety and functionality of public facilities.
Metal fences installed around bridges and other public structures are intended to provide protection and help regulate access. Their removal or destruction could compromise safety, depending on the location and function of the affected infrastructure.
The corps urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies to support efforts to prevent crime.
“We urge residents to report suspicious activities promptly and work closely with security agencies. Community cooperation is essential to preventing crime and keeping our neighbourhoods safe,” Abubakar said.
He stressed that maintaining security required collective action, urging members of the public to take an active role in protecting their neighbourhoods and government-owned facilities.
Abubakar disclosed that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The corps did not provide further details on the quantity or value of the allegedly stolen metal fences, whether the suspects had made statements to investigators, or whether any stolen materials had been recovered.
The deputy commander-general commended the personnel involved in the operation, identifying them as Mujahid Ibrahim Auwal, Mustapha Garba and Umar Yahaya Adam.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to strengthening community-based security operations in support of the Kano State Government’s efforts to maintain peace, protect residents and safeguard public infrastructure.
West Trybe reports that the arrests highlight the need for sustained protection of public facilities in Kano, where vandalism can impose additional costs on government and potentially threaten public safety. The suspects’ eventual prosecution will depend on the outcome of investigations and the evidence presented before a competent court.
