Jigawa School Plunged into Darkness as Vandals Make Off with Valuable Transformer Cable

A daring attack by suspected vandals has left Government Unity School in Ringim, Jigawa State, without power after they overpowered security guards and stole a significant portion of the transformer's armoured cable. This incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 30, 2026, is part of a worrying trend of vandalism targeting critical infrastructure in Jigawa. According to ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, the vandals, numbering over 10, invaded the school, subdued the three security guards on duty, and proceeded to vandalise 12 metres of 75mm² armoured cable connected to the school's transformer before making their escape. The stolen cable is valued between ₦900,000 and ₦1.05 million. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects initially attacked the security guards stationed at different points within the school premises before carrying out the vandalism. Following a distress call, personnel from the NSCDC Ringim Divisional Office responded promptly and were able to recover exhibits and evidence from the scene, which will aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects. The Jigawa State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Muhammad Ingawa, has condemned the attack, describing it as a criminal assault on critical national assets and infrastructure. Ingawa has directed an intensive manhunt to identify and apprehend all those involved, assuring that they will be arrested and prosecuted. He also urged security personnel attached to schools and public institutions to remain vigilant and for residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC office or other security agencies. The commandant appealed for public support with credible information to combat vandalism, reaffirming the corps' commitment to protecting government property across the state.