NSCDC Arrests 24-Year-Old Over MTN Mast Vandalism in Awka

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra Command, has arrested a suspected telecommunication mast vandal at Esther Obiakor Estate, Agu-Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

This is according to a statement issued on Friday in Awka by the Head of Media and Tactical Operations, NSCDC Anambra Command, Superintendent of Corps (SC) Edwin Okadigbo.

Okadigbo quoted the state Commandant of the corps, Mr Maku Olatunde, as saying the incident involved an MTN mast power installation. He said the suspect, 24-year-old Nweke Wisdom from Izzi South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was arrested at about 7:20 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2026, at Esther Obiakor Estate, Agu-Awka, following a distress call about the presence of a suspected vandal at the mast.

Olatunde said the suspect was apprehended with items believed to have been removed from the mast installation, including DC and armoured cables. He added that preliminary investigation indicated the suspect allegedly specialises in vandalising telecommunication masts and stealing valuable equipment from them.

"Meanwhile, the suspect has made useful confessions and will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded," he said.

Okadigbo reiterated the command's commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, warning vandals to desist or face the full weight of the law. He urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial to safeguarding critical national assets and improving security across the state.