The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has seized four vehicles conveying dismantled telecommunication towers under the disguise of scrap metal activities in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

It also arrested 10 suspects in connection with the development.

Parading the seized items and the suspects, the Commandant, NSCDC in Borno state, Ahmed Bello-Gaya, revealed that the incident occurred between December 8 and 11, 2025.

“It is on record that over the years, public and private infrastructures in the state were devastated by some unscrupulous elements in the guise of scrap metal recovery (Ajakuta) and in July 2023, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum imposed a statewide ban on scrap‑metal dealings to curb the activities of ‘ajakuta’ (metal scavengers) that have caused extensive damage to public and private property,” he said.

He said, “The ban, announced during a visit to Bulumkutu, covers all 27 local government areas and prohibits any informal, unregulated metal‑recovery operations.

“Under the Commandant General’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, the Borno State anti‑vandal unit has been re-organized and reinvigorated.

“The unit’s recent actions on 8th and 11th  December 2025 resulted in four (4) separate seizures and the arrest of ten (10) suspects,” he said.

While thanking his personnel, the NSCDC Commander explained that preventing vandalism and sabotage of oil pipelines, power lines, and telecom facilities remains the core mandate of the organization.

Zulum in July 2023 banned scavenging and scrap metal activities in the state, directing security agencies to monitor and safeguard the state’s critical infrastructure.