The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has recovered stolen solar powered street lighting equipment in Cross River State following an operation that exposed alleged high level complicity in the vandalisation of public infrastructure.
Operatives of the Cross River State Command of the NSCDC carried out the operation in Calabar Municipality, where they recovered 11 solar streetlight poles and four solar panels that had been dismantled and hidden by suspected vandals. The recovered items were reportedly part of solar lighting projects installed to improve security and night time visibility in the area.
According to the command, investigations into the theft led to the invitation of a village head suspected to be linked to the vandalisation. The development has sparked outrage, with security officials describing the alleged involvement of a traditional ruler as deeply troubling and a betrayal of community trust.
Reacting to the incident, the Cross River State representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Rt Hon Orok Duke, confirmed the recovery and issued a strong warning to individuals targeting NDDC infrastructure in the state. He stressed that no one would be shielded from prosecution, regardless of social or traditional status.
Duke described the vandalisation of the solar powered streetlights as a deliberate act of sabotage aimed at undermining efforts by the state government and the NDDC to enhance public safety. He said the removal of street lighting exposes communities to increased criminal activity and reverses gains made in improving security.
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He warned that anyone found vandalising or aiding the theft of public infrastructure provided by the NDDC would face the full weight of the law. According to him, the Commission’s solar streetlight projects are a key part of its development strategy, especially in areas that have long struggled with poor lighting and insecurity.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing, with the NSCDC working to identify all those involved in the theft and dismantling of the solar equipment. The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical public assets and urged residents to report suspicious activities around government infrastructure.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger community vigilance and collaboration with security agencies to safeguard development projects across Cross River State.
