Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested a 39-year-old man, Anuba Lucky Chisom, over the alleged vandalism of an IHS-MTN telecommunications mast in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 4 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after anti-vandal operatives reportedly received intelligence about suspicious movements inside the telecommunications facility during a routine patrol.
According to an official bulletin issued by the NSCDC Anambra State Command and published by Punch Newspapers, the operatives found the suspect at the mast with cables and other components allegedly removed from the installation. The facility, identified by site number IHS_ANA_0888A, is located near the temporary site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka.
The arrest comes amid continued security concerns over the protection of critical infrastructure, including telecommunications facilities that support mobile communications and internet connectivity.
NSCDC Reveals Details of the Arrest
The NSCDC Anambra State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed the arrest while presenting the suspect at the command’s headquarters in Awka.
The command said the anti-vandal team acted on credible intelligence concerning unusual activity within the telecommunications mast before moving in and apprehending the suspect.
According to the official bulletin, preliminary investigations suggested that Chisom was connected to a group allegedly responsible for a series of infrastructure vandalism incidents in the state.
The command further alleged that the suspect admitted to vandalising two other sites before his arrest and attributed his actions to unemployment.
However, the identities and locations of the other sites were not disclosed in the announcement. The allegations concerning those incidents have not been independently established, and the reported admission remains subject to the legal process.
The NSCDC has directed that a thorough investigation be conducted before the suspect is charged in court.
Commandant Warns Against Infrastructure Vandalism
Maku condemned the alleged vandalism and commended the operatives involved in the arrest for responding to the information received during their patrol.
The commandant warned that the Corps would not tolerate the destruction of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure.
He also rejected unemployment as a justification for criminal activity, maintaining that individuals facing economic difficulties must not resort to damaging essential infrastructure.
The command urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information that could help security agencies identify suspicious activities and prevent further incidents.
The appeal places public cooperation at the centre of efforts to protect telecommunications installations and other facilities whose damage could affect essential services.
The NSCDC has not announced further arrests in connection with the Okpuno incident, and it remains unclear whether investigators have identified other individuals allegedly involved in the case.
Why Telecommunications Infrastructure Protection Matters
Telecommunications masts and their associated equipment are essential to mobile network operations. They support the infrastructure required for voice calls, internet access and other digital communication services used by individuals, businesses and public institutions.
Cables and other technical components help telecommunications facilities operate. When these components are stolen or damaged, operators may face repair expenses and service disruptions, depending on the nature of the damage and the availability of backup equipment.
For businesses, reliable telecommunications services support digital payments, customer communication, online transactions and other daily operations. Households also depend on mobile connectivity to access information, maintain contact with family members and use digital services.
Consequently, vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure can have effects beyond the immediate financial loss suffered by the operator. Where damage interrupts network services, communities and businesses may also experience difficulties accessing communications.
However, the NSCDC announcement and reports reviewed did not establish whether the alleged vandalism at the Okpuno mast caused a network outage or disclose the value of the equipment allegedly affected.
The incident therefore highlights the importance of protecting essential infrastructure while ensuring that claims about the impact of individual cases are supported by evidence.
Previous Telecommunications Vandalism Case in Anambra
The latest arrest follows another case reported by Punch Newspapers on October 2, 2026, when the NSCDC Anambra State Command announced the arrest of a 24-year-old man, Nweke Wisdom, over alleged vandalism and theft of equipment from a telecommunications mast in Agu-Awka.
According to the report, the earlier suspect was arrested at Esther Obiakor Estate in Agu-Awka after a distress call. Items allegedly recovered included direct-current cables and armoured cables. The command said investigations would be completed before prosecution.
Both incidents involve alleged interference with telecommunications infrastructure in Anambra State. However, no evidence released in the reports reviewed establishes a connection between the two suspects or confirms that they were part of the same group.
The cases nevertheless underline the importance of effective surveillance, timely intelligence and cooperation between security agencies, telecommunications operators and local communities.
What Happens Next?
The NSCDC has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged vandalism at the Okpuno telecommunications facility. The suspect is expected to be charged in court after the investigation is concluded, according to the command’s announcement.
Further details about possible charges, the outcome of the investigation and any additional suspects have not been confirmed.
For now, the confirmed development is the arrest of the 39-year-old man and the command’s decision to investigate the allegations before proceeding with prosecution.
The case also reinforces the need to balance efforts to protect critical infrastructure with due process. The allegations against Chisom must be established through the appropriate legal proceedings, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Weng Global — Stories beyond borders.
Sources
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command — Official news bulletin on the arrest, October 15, 2026.
- Punch Newspapers — Report on the arrest over alleged telecommunications mast vandalism in Anambra, October 15, 2026.
- Punch Newspapers — Report on an earlier telecommunications mast vandalism arrest in Agu-Awka, October 2, 2026.
