The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 24-year-old scrap metal buyer, Abdulraman Suleiman, popularly known as “Fulani”, over his alleged role in the purchase of stolen telecommunications equipment in Odukpani Local Government Area.
Key Highlights
- NSCDC arrests 24-year-old scrap metal buyer linked to telecom mast vandalism.
- Suspect allegedly received stolen ATC Base Transceiver Station (BTS) components.
- Intelligence-led operation dismantles suspected telecom vandalism syndicate.
- Massive radio mounting frame recovered during raid in Odukpani.
- NSCDC launches manhunt for other suspects, including alleged financier.
- Suspects to be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
The Command said Suleiman allegedly served as the principal receiver of stolen ATC Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment, adding that his arrest marks a major breakthrough in dismantling a syndicate involved in the vandalisation and trafficking of telecommunications infrastructure.
In a statement issued in Calabar by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Orok Kinini-Iyeme, the NSCDC described the operation as a demonstration of its zero-tolerance stance against the sabotage of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
According to the statement, the latest arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a principal suspect, 23-year-old Bassey Bassey Inyang, who was arrested on July 15, 2026, while allegedly attempting to vandalise an ATC BTS facility located at Odukpani Junction.
The Command said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect confessed to dismantling components from the telecommunications site and selling them to a local scrap dealer.
Acting on the intelligence, the State Commandant, CC Okarazu Chima, directed a joint operation involving the Intelligence Department, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Unit and personnel from the Odukpani Division.
The operation, carried out on July 18, 2026, led to the raid of the suspect’s premises beneath the Odukpani Flyover, where operatives arrested Suleiman and recovered a large black metal radio mounting frame measuring approximately 4 feet 2 inches by 4 feet 11 inches, identified as property belonging to the affected ATC telecommunications facility.
Although the suspect admitted purchasing the items from the principal suspect on two separate occasions, he claimed he was unaware they had been stolen. The NSCDC said it rejected the explanation and has continued investigations into the activities of the syndicate.
The Command disclosed that investigators are analysing statements obtained from both suspects while a manhunt has been launched for other fleeing members of the network, including another alleged receiver identified as Abdul, also known as Jadawa, and the syndicate’s suspected financier, identified simply as Saleh.
Speaking on the development, State Commandant Okarazu Chima said the arrests underscore the Corps’ determination to protect critical national assets and combat economic sabotage.
He described telecommunications facilities as vital infrastructure that supports communication services, business activities and national development, warning that anyone found vandalising or trading in stolen telecom equipment would face the full weight of the law.
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The Commandant also reminded the public that the destruction, tampering with or unlawful interference with telecommunications infrastructure constitutes an offence under relevant laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
He added that the two suspects have been remanded at the State Command Headquarters and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. He also disclosed that the management of ATC has been contacted to assess the value of the recovered equipment.
