The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has secured the conviction of a man, Obika Sopuruchukwu, over the attempted theft and vandalism of critical telecommunications infrastructure in Awka.

Sopuruchukwu was arrested on 9 September 2026 at Emma Nnaemeka Street, Awka, after allegedly conspiring with an accomplice to steal a telecommunications integrated power transformer/generator installed in the area.

According to the NSCDC, the accomplice escaped, while operatives arrested Sopuruchukwu and subsequently charged him before the Magistrate Court sitting in Awka.

Man convicted on two counts

The defendant was arraigned in Charge No. MAW/276C/2026 on two counts.

The first count was conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically stealing, punishable under Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code.

The second involved vandalism of critical national assets through the loosening of bolts and cutting of cables, an offence the NSCDC said is punishable under Section 353(2) of the Criminal Code.

Sopuruchukwu pleaded guilty to both charges.

Delivering judgment on 11 September, the magistrate found him guilty on the two counts and sentenced him to one month imprisonment on each count.

The sentences are to run consecutively at the Correctional Centre in Amawbia, meaning he is to serve a total of two months in custody.

Also Read: Aiyedatiwa Appoints Special Adviser, Board Chairmen, Members 

NSCDC warns infrastructure vandals

The NSCDC Anambra State Command said the conviction underscores its efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, commended the prosecution team led by SC Ifeanyi Nwokike and other operatives for what he described as their diligence.

He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in Anambra.

Commandant Maku also warned that the NSCDC would continue to clamp down on people involved in the vandalism of public utilities.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government and private installations to the nearest NSCDC formation.

Why the case matters

Telecommunications infrastructure supports mobile communications, internet connectivity and other digital services used daily by individuals, businesses and public institutions.

Damage to power and supporting equipment at telecommunications sites can disrupt services and impose additional costs on operators and users.

The NSCDC is legally mandated to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, making the prevention of vandalism a key part of its security responsibilities.

What’s next

The NSCDC said it would continue operations against the vandalism of critical infrastructure and urged members of the public to provide information about suspicious activity around installations.

The command did not provide further details about the escaped accomplice or whether any additional arrest had been made.

The Ogun State Police Command has urged students to reject cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, political thuggery and other forms of criminality, warning that such activities could undermine their education and future prospects.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babasiyi, gave the warning while delivering a keynote address at the 45th Students Parliament Council (SPC) Summit 2026 organised by the Student Parliamentary Council of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta.

The summit was held under the theme, “From Campus to Nation: Mobilising for Peace, Security and Development.”

Babasiyi described tertiary institutions as more than centres for academic learning, saying campuses also serve as training grounds for leadership, citizenship and responsible participation in society.

Police: Security is a collective responsibility

The police spokesman said students should see themselves as stakeholders in national security rather than leaving security matters solely to law enforcement agencies.

“Security is not the responsibility of the Police alone,” he said, stressing that government, security agencies, communities, families and citizens all have roles to play.

He urged students to provide credible information to security agencies and support lawful initiatives aimed at maintaining peace in their communities.

The message comes as Nigerian institutions continue to face concerns around youth involvement in cult-related activities, drug abuse, violence and other forms of crime.

‘Do not allow anyone to recruit you’

Babasiyi specifically warned students against joining cult groups, arguing that cultism should not be mistaken for strength or superiority.

He said such groups could appeal to young people seeking acceptance, protection or validation.

“True strength is found in self-confidence, discipline, character and the courage to stand independently without hiding behind a group,” he said.

He urged students not to allow themselves to be recruited into groups or activities that could turn their youthful energy towards violence.

Also Read: Nigeria Customs Begins Final Recruitment Screening in Abuja 

Police warn against misuse of social media

The Ogun police also cautioned students about the security implications of irresponsible use of social media.

Babasiyi said mobile phones and social media platforms could be used to promote peace but could also create security challenges when used to circulate rumours, hate speech, incitement or unverified information.

He advised students to verify information before sharing it and to consider the consequences of their online activities.

“Think before you post, verify before you share,” he told the students.

The warning reflects a broader challenge for security agencies, as social media has become a major channel through which information, including false or misleading claims, can spread rapidly.

2027 elections: Police urge peaceful participation

With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections approaching, the police spokesman called on young people to participate peacefully and engage political issues responsibly.

He urged students to respect democratic processes and avoid violence and political thuggery.

“Your voice matters, but it must be expressed responsibly,” Babasiyi said.

Young Nigerians form an important part of Nigeria’s electorate and political population, making youth participation a significant factor in the country’s electoral environment.

Police seek cooperation from students

Babasiyi said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting lives and property and providing a secure environment for education, investment and development.

He also said the Ogun State Police Command would continue to work towards maintaining security in the state.

However, he argued that effective policing depended partly on cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

He encouraged students to report suspicious activities and maintain peaceful relationships within their communities.

“See something, say something,” he told the gathering.

The address was delivered on behalf of the Ogun State Police Command under Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni, while Babasiyi also referenced the leadership of Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

From campus to nation

Babasiyi ended his address by urging students to recognise the link between their present choices and the kind of society they will help build in the future.

“The nation you desire tomorrow begins with the choices you make today,” he said.

He encouraged the students to embrace peace, responsibility, integrity and service, saying the goal should be to produce young Nigerians who would not only demand a better country but also take responsibility for building one.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has warned personnel assigned to VIP protection duties to strictly follow service orders, operational procedures and rules of engagement.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, issued the warning on Monday, 7 September, during a one-day refresher course for leaders of the various beats at the command headquarters in Awka.

He said officers involved in close protection must maintain professionalism, civility and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.

Also Read: So-Safe Corps Arrests 27-year-old Over Alleged Aluminium Window Theft in Ogun

Why the warning matters

VIP protection requires officers to make quick decisions while responding to potential security threats.

Commandant Olatunde said personnel must therefore remain vigilant and develop the skills needed to protect designated individuals under different operational conditions.

The training covered areas including threat assessment, protective formations, route planning, convoy drills, surveillance detection, defensive tactics and emergency response procedures.

The commandant also reminded officers of their oath of secrecy and urged them to remain security-conscious while on duty.

He warned personnel against accepting illegal assignments or carrying out tasks that could endanger their lives or those of the people they are protecting.

“Professionalism, civility and respect for human rights must be maintained at all times.

— Maku Olatunde, NSCDC Anambra State Commandant

NSCDC promises disciplinary action for violations

The State Commandant said personnel who act contrary to the Corps’ code of conduct and operational guidelines would face appropriate disciplinary action.

He urged officers to maintain discipline, commitment and teamwork while performing their responsibilities.

The command’s position comes as security agencies continue to place emphasis on specialised training and operational readiness for personnel involved in protective duties.

Training aimed at improving operational readiness

DCC Prominence Ukaobi, the Second-in-Command of the Anambra State Command, said the knowledge and skills acquired during the refresher course would improve the competence of personnel.

He added that the training would also strengthen the effectiveness of the different beats and their areas of responsibility.

Superintendent of Corps Toochukwu Umeohana, Officer-in-Charge of the Beat and VIP Unit, described the exercise as an important step towards expanding specialised paramilitary training within the command.

He encouraged participants to make full use of the training, saying the changing security environment required officers to be properly trained and adaptable.

What happens next?

The NSCDC Anambra Command said personnel assigned to VIP duties are expected to apply the skills acquired during the training in their operational responsibilities.

The command also reiterated the need for officers to work within established procedures and maintain high standards of discipline while providing protection.