The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has arrested three men over the alleged theft and illegal sale of electrical cables temporarily removed during road construction work in Agbona Village, Iwo.

The suspects were identified as 60-year-old Taliatu Olunlade, his 25-year-old son, Wasiu Olunlade, and 22-year-old Ganiyu Ayomide.

According to the NSCDC, the three men were arrested on Friday, September 4, 2026, by personnel attached to the command’s division in Agbona Village, Iwo.

The State Commandant, Toma Mathew Enya, disclosed the development during a press briefing held on Monday at the Osun State NSCDC headquarters in Osogbo.

Osun NSCDC Arrests Father, Son, Another Man Over Alleged Cable Theft

Enya said the arrests followed an investigation into the alleged theft and subsequent sale of electrical cables, describing the offence as one with serious implications for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

The commandant explained that the cables had been temporarily removed around November 2025 to allow road construction activities to proceed in the community.

According to him, the removal was reportedly agreed upon by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in collaboration with community leaders.

Following their removal, the cables were said to have been properly packaged and stored at a location near the residence of Taliatu Olunlade, who was reportedly entrusted with their safekeeping.

 Osun NSCDC Probes Disappearance of Electrical Cables

Enya said the cables subsequently began disappearing gradually after several months, prompting the NSCDC to commence an investigation into their whereabouts.

The investigation eventually led to the arrest of the three suspects.

The commandant said preliminary findings indicated that the suspects allegedly removed the electrical cables in stages before selling them to a metal scrap dealer and scavenger identified as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar.”

Aminu, however, remains at large, according to the NSCDC.

Enya said the suspects allegedly confessed during preliminary investigations to selling the stolen cables to Aminu on two separate occasions.

The transactions were reportedly worth a combined sum of ₦100,000.

The commandant said efforts had been intensified to locate and apprehend the alleged receiver, while investigations into the matter continued.

He added that the arrested suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation, where they would have the opportunity to face the allegations in accordance with the law.

The development has renewed attention on the protection of electrical infrastructure and other public assets, particularly equipment temporarily removed during construction and maintenance projects.

Electrical cables are important components of the power distribution network, and their theft can disrupt electricity services while creating additional costs for infrastructure operators and communities.

Enya said the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure would remain one of his priorities as commandant of the Osun State NSCDC.

He pledged to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations across the state while working more closely with relevant stakeholders.

The commandant also warned individuals involved in the vandalism, theft or illegal trading of government infrastructure to stop such activities.

He urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities involving electrical cables or other critical infrastructure.

According to him, the NSCDC would continue to take enforcement action against individuals found to be involved in activities capable of damaging or sabotaging public infrastructure.

The command further stressed the importance of community cooperation in preventing the theft and vandalism of public assets.

As investigations continue, the NSCDC is expected to intensify efforts to locate the alleged scrap dealer identified as Aminu and establish the full circumstances surrounding the disappearance and sale of the cables.

The three arrested men remain suspects at this stage, and their eventual legal status will be determined through the judicial process.