The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kogi State Command, has stated that 3,000 troops will be deployed, in addition to other security agencies, to ensure protection for the next governorship election.
Ahmad Gandi, the Kogi state commandant, revealed this on Wednesday when updating press on the agency’s actions since his appointment.
He stated that the command had finalised preparations to provide appropriate coverage and that no stone would be left unturned to guarantee a smooth election.
Gandi stated that throughout his time in the state, he was able to prosecute 24 cases and achieve more than 90% of convictions.
He also displayed Yomi Sunday, 30, who reportedly specialised in vandalising armour cables in the state’s Mopa Muro Local Government Area.
Gandi stated that the perpetrator was apprehended by the vigilante group and turned up to the corps.
He stated that the vandalism has unfortunately left seven settlements in Kogi West, including Aiyeteju – Mopa, Amuro, Agbajogun – Lodo, and others, without power.
The suspect, who was presented with eight wrapped bundles of the wires for easy transportation, said he used a cutter to cut and peel the electric cable and then washed his hands with petroleum products scooped into two half-litre bottles.
According to him, he was enticed into the business by an unknown businessman who came to his neighbourhood every Sunday and offered to pay him well for the merchandise.
He went on to say that the potential buyer told him that he uses the cable to make earrings, bangles, and other jewellery, and that he got arrested on his first operation.
Yomi Sunday, a father of five children and a motorbike mechanic from Itakete-Ide, a small community in Mopa Amuro LGA, apologised for his actions and asked for mercy, promising not to indulge in such disgusting crimes in the future.
While advising criminals to stop their nefarious actions, the commandant stated that the corps is well-prepared to combat crime and criminality throughout the state.
He did, however, urge on citizens to offer timely and trustworthy information to the leadership in order for the corps to combat crime and criminality, stating that the battle against predatory elements is a communal effort.
He also stated that the command will treat any information with the utmost discretion.
