A suspected vandal was on Sunday found dead after reportedly being electrocuted near a transformer inside the premises of Borno State University, Maiduguri.
ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson of the Borno Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Maiduguri.
Daso said preliminary investigation indicated that the deceased, whose identity is yet to be established, was electrocuted while attempting to vandalise electrical installations at the institution.
“The body of an unidentified male was discovered near a transformer in Borno State University. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was electrocuted in an attempt to vandalise electrical installations,” the statement read in part.
He explained that the body had been evacuated to the hospital for medical procedures in collaboration with the Borno State Fire Service, while a full investigation into the incident had commenced.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, warned criminal elements against acts of vandalism and sabotage, stressing that such activities endanger lives and compromise public safety.
Daso urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements around public infrastructure to the nearest police station.
The incident comes amid renewed calls by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for stiffer penalties against vandals targeting national assets and critical infrastructure.
