The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command has arrested five suspected cable vandals in Calabar.
One of the suspects, Victor Ineji, 27, was paraded alongside his accomplices, Benjamin Moses from Akwa Ibom and Ama Abiom from Cross River State.
He claimed that he stole the cables to enable him to pay for an apartment.
They were caught while removing 11 mitres long armoured cable from street lights at the Federal Housing Authority Estate (FHAE).
“I used to live in the area until the person I lived with told me to leave. I had nowhere to go, so I approached scrap metal dealers who told me what I can make if I vandalised the armoured cables.
“The two people I was arrested with escorted me to carry out the act before we were caught,” the suspect narrated.
Two other suspects were also arrested at Ekorinim community in Calabar Municipality Local Council for vandalising street lights in the area.
Parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Calabar, the state Commandant of NSCDC, Charles Brown said the suspects would soon be charged to count.
Brown, who noted that the suspects were arrested at different locations in Calabar by NSCDC officers, said they also recovered rings from the suspects that they believed were charms.
According to him, items recovered from the suspects include street lights, pole panel compartment metal, a long wheel spinner, knife, charms and matches.
“Since I took over in Cross River, we have had eight convictions which has reduced the rate of vandalism in the state, but it is like some people are trying to stir it up again.
“We will not rest on our oars to thwart the effort of anyone who has not come to the state to do legitimate business but to destroy the good works of the government.
“I also urge residents to be alert and report suspicious activities in their community to the command and even create vigilante groups to bolster security in their areas,” he suggested.
