Kazeem Jimoh/
In a major breakthrough against infrastructure vandalism, the Ilara Security Force (ISF) has arrested four suspected power cable thieves accused of sabotaging electricity installations in Ilara, Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State.
The suspects—Innocent Victor (47), Francis Asua (43), Yusuf Ismaila (45), and Omega David (46)—were apprehended on Sunday while allegedly cutting high-tension cables at the ILO farm area of the community.
According to ISF Chairman Comrade Abdul-Rasaq Oladipupo Talabi, the culprits admitted to strategically monitoring power outages before scaling the poles to sever the cables.
“This arrest is a major win for ISF and the Ilara community in our fight against vandals and theft,” Talabi told NewsmakersNG in an interview. He reaffirmed ISF’s commitment to tackling security threats, including farm produce theft, which has been a persistent challenge for local farmers.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Noforija Divisional Police Headquarters. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, noting that investigations were ongoing.
Recovered items included an ash-colored Toyota Corolla (Lagos BDG 22 GX) used by the suspects, along with burglary tools such as a plier, two iron-cutting saws, and a hammer.
Commending ISF’s swift action, High Chief Olufemi Charles Keshinro, the Odofin of Ilara Kingdom, praised the community security outfit for what he described as a “remarkable achievement.”
Talabi also appealed to the Federal Government to support community policing efforts with operational vehicles, motorcycles, walkie-talkies, and other logistics to bolster security at the grassroots level.
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