The Sokoto State Police Command has apprehended a notorious electricity cable thief known for targeting public power infrastructure across the state. The suspect, identified as Aminu Umar, a resident of Gidan Igwai area in Sokoto metropolis, was arrested in the early hours of Friday, June 20, 2025, in connection with the theft of aluminium conductor cables belonging to the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO).
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, and made available to journalists on Monday, Umar was intercepted by operatives along Ummaruma Achida Road around 7:00 a.m. while in unlawful possession of two heavy rolls of aluminium cables suspected to have been removed from an electricity installation in the area.
Investigations into the incident revealed that the suspect confessed to acting on the instruction of one Usman Yahaya, a resident of the Makera Asada area of Sokoto, who allegedly paid him a sum of five thousand naira (₦5,000) to supply the stolen materials. Police sources noted that Yahaya is no stranger to law enforcement, having been previously charged in court over similar acts of vandalism and sabotage of public infrastructure. His alleged involvement in this latest case has further strengthened suspicions that the criminal activity may be part of a wider network engaged in the systematic looting of power supply infrastructure for economic gain.
Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, while expressing concern over the continued threat posed by cable thieves to public utilities, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism in apprehending the suspect. He assured the public that both Umar and his alleged accomplice, Yahaya, will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations, and emphasized that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those behind such economic sabotage are brought to justice.
The Commissioner further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and proactive in assisting law enforcement by reporting suspicious movements and individuals, particularly around power installations, transformers, and electrical substations. He maintained that community cooperation is essential in the fight against vandalism, which continues to hamper power supply and economic development in affected communities.
With repeated cases of electricity infrastructure being vandalised in Sokoto and other parts of the country, the Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to protecting national assets and warned that anyone caught sabotaging critical infrastructure will face the full weight of the law. The arrest of Aminu Umar adds to the growing list of suspects rounded up by the Sokoto State Command in recent months as part of an intensified operation against power asset vandals in the region.
