N3 Billion Heist: Scavengers Plunder Power Lines in Shocking Robbery

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has disclosed that metal scavengers were responsible for the theft of all wires purchased for a significant N3 billion electricity distribution project.

This vital infrastructure was intended to connect Damaturu in Yobe State to Maiduguri, Borno’s capital. The governor cited this substantial loss as a primary reason for his administration's decision to restrict the scrap metal trade across the state.

Adding to the severe infrastructure challenges, security intelligence reports have also indicated a concerning link between scrap dealers and insurgents.

Governor Zulum stated that these reports suggest insurgents utilize scrap dealers as a conduit to dispose of looted metals, thereby funding their activities.

He firmly asserted that his administration would not permit any commercial activities to compromise public safety or undermine critical infrastructure.

This sentiment was conveyed during an address to affected business operators in Maiduguri, as detailed in a statement by his Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications, Abdulrahman Bundi.

The disclosure has brought renewed attention to the persistent vulnerability of electricity infrastructure in Nigeria's North-East region.

Previously, acts of vandalism have frequently disrupted power supplies, imposing significant additional costs on efforts to restore electricity.

In September 2021, the Borno State Government had already raised alarms about the extensive destruction of high-tension electricity infrastructure serving Maiduguri and other parts of the state, often attributed to repeated attacks by insurgents that left the state capital without power for months.

Governor Zulum further elaborated on the security dimension, noting that the recent restrictions were also informed by intelligence reports directly linking some scrap dealers to the sale of stolen materials by insurgents.

He stressed that no responsible government could afford to ignore such critical intelligence for the sake of political correctness.

The governor also highlighted the inherent dangers faced by scavengers who venture into communities that remain perilous for civilian activities, stating that hundreds of their members had been killed while scavenging in unsafe villages prior to the ban.

The prohibition on metal scavenging predates this latest revelation, having been initially announced by Governor Zulum on July 10, 2023.

This earlier ban was prompted by an inspection in Maiduguri where he encountered metal scraps believed to include government property.

At that time, concerns included the alleged removal of streetlights, communication infrastructure, and other public assets.

Despite the ban, the administration has since moved to address the economic consequences for affected operators.

During a recent meeting, Governor Zulum granted a waiver allowing traders to evacuate scrap materials accumulated before the ban from designated locations.

He also requested that operators submit comprehensive proposals outlining how they could continue their businesses without contributing to insecurity or the destruction of public infrastructure.

This intervention follows an earlier reported offer of ₦200 million in assistance to affected operators and the designation of 72 sites for the evacuation exercise.

The government has indicated a willingness to reconsider the ban if traders can present credible safeguards against vandalism and security breaches.