A 22-year-old man, Tasiu Danlami, sustained severe burns while attempting to vandalize an electricity transformer in the Hayin-Nasarawa area of Tafa Local Government Area in Niger State.
Danlami was rushed to Musa Yar’Adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse for treatment following the incident, while his accomplice, 18-year-old Abba Salihu, was arrested by the police.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspects were caught in the act during a routine patrol by police operatives and local vigilantes on October 10, 2024, at approximately 5:45 AM.
He said the duo was apprehended as they attempted to vandalize a transformer belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
Abiodun added that in addition to the arrest of the two suspects, the police have also detained six other suspects on charges of thuggery, public disturbance, robbery, and possession of dangerous weapons and cannabis.
He stated that the arrests were made in response to a surge in criminal activities in the Fadikpe, Kutirko, and Angwan-Kanawa areas of Minna, the state capital.
The suspects, armed with dangerous weapons, had reportedly been attacking residents, shop owners, and unsuspecting members of the public.
Those arrested were identified as Musa Umar (50), a purported youth leader from Kulogbe, Sirajo Isyaku (20), Yusuf Ahmed (18) from Kutirko, Bashir Yahaya (20), Shuaibu Mohammed (38) from Fadikpe, and Usman Adamu (21) from Sabon-Titi.
Recovered items included 25 wraps of cannabis, four handsets, a knife, a sword, and sticks, Abiodun disclosed.