Thieves Overpower Guards, Steal ₦1.8 Million Cable in Jigawa School

Suspected thieves attacked security guards and took 12 metres of armoured cable from a transformer at Government Unity School in Ringim, Jigawa State. This has left the school without power.

This incident is part of a growing trend of attacks on important facilities in Jigawa. Just weeks ago, streetlight cables worth over ₦1.8 million were found in Hadejia after a tip-off.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement released to The PUNCH on Friday night. He said the attack happened around 2 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026. More than 10 suspected vandals broke into Government Unity School, overpowered three security guards, and stole 12 metres of 75mm² armoured cable from the school’s transformer.

Tijjani stated, "More than 10 suspected vandals invaded the school, overpowered the security guards on duty and vandalised 12 metres of 75mm² armoured cable connected to the transformer before fleeing."

He added that the stolen cable is valued between ₦900,000 and ₦1.05 million. "Preliminary investigations showed the suspects attacked three guards deployed at different points within the school before carrying out the act," Tijjani said.

The NSCDC Ringim Divisional Office responded quickly after a distress call from the school. The spokesperson said some items and evidence were collected at the scene to help with the investigation and find the suspects.

In response, the Jigawa State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Muhammad Ingawa, condemned the attack. "The Commandant described it as a criminal assault on critical national assets and infrastructure," Tijjani reported.

Ingawa ordered a thorough search to find and arrest everyone involved. "All persons connected with the crime will be arrested and prosecuted before a court of competent jurisdiction," the commandant promised, according to Tijjani.

He also urged security guards and other personnel at schools and public places to stay alert. The NSCDC spokesperson advised residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC office or other security agencies.

"Security personnel must remain vigilant and immediately alert security agencies whenever they observe suspicious movements or gatherings," Tijjani quoted the commandant as saying.

The commandant asked the public to help the corps with reliable information. "Members of the public should provide timely information that will assist security agencies in preventing and combating vandalism," Tijjani said.

He reassured everyone that the corps is dedicated to protecting government assets in all 27 local government areas of the state. "The NSCDC remains committed to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in Jigawa State," the spokesperson concluded.