NSCDC launches manhunt after late-night raid plunges Government Unity School, Ringim into darkness

Suspected vandals have stolen a transformer cable valued at about ₦1 million from Government Unity School in Ringim, Jigawa State, after reportedly overpowering security guards on duty.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Thursday, when more than 10 suspects stormed the school, subdued three security guards stationed at different points, and carted away 12 metres of 75mm² armoured cable connected to the school’s transformer, leaving the facility in darkness.

The stolen cable is estimated to be worth between ₦900,000 and ₦1.05 million.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, said personnel from the Ringim Divisional Office responded swiftly after receiving a distress call. He added that investigators recovered exhibits and other evidence from the scene to aid efforts to track down the suspects.

Reacting to the attack, the Jigawa State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Muhammad Ingawa, condemned the act, describing it as a direct assault on critical national infrastructure. He ordered an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and assured that all those involved would be arrested and prosecuted.

Ingawa also urged security personnel guarding schools and other public institutions to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements promptly. He called on residents to provide credible intelligence to assist security agencies in curbing vandalism across the state.

The incident comes weeks after security operatives recovered stolen streetlight cables worth over ₦1.8 million in Hadejia following a tip-off, highlighting growing concerns over repeated attacks on public infrastructure in Jigawa State.