The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has arrested a scrap dealer and recovered stolen school property in Benin City following a coordinated monitoring operation. On June 25, 2026, a joint team comprising the Edo State Scrap Monitoring Team, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and NSCDC personnel under the Safe Schools initiative conducted a routine inspection at Oriohhene Primary School in Bolehole, Oredo Local Government Area. The inspection revealed extensive vandalism, including the theft of classroom chairs, air-conditioning units, and roofing sheets, with parts of the school’s red roof deliberately damaged by suspected criminals.
The monitoring team swiftly moved to a scrap dump site located at No. 40 Evbienwen Street, Iyaro, Benin City, where they recovered roofing sheets and other materials strongly suspected to have been stolen from public schools. The operation led to the arrest of Mr. Aniemeka Hilary, a 61-year-old native of Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, who owns the dump site. According to the NSCDC, Hilary confessed to purchasing the vandalized items from unidentified individuals, though he reportedly expressed regret for his actions.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, CSC Ogbebor Efosa, confirmed the details in a statement released on Sunday. He emphasized that the recovered items were linked to the vandalism at Oriohhene Primary School and underscored the importance of monitoring scrap markets to prevent the circulation of stolen goods. The operation highlights the growing collaboration between security agencies and government departments to protect public infrastructure, especially in educational institutions.
NSCDC State Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, condemned the acts of vandalism and issued a stern warning to scrap dealers across Edo State. He stressed that anyone found aiding, abetting, or benefiting from the destruction of government property will face the full force of the law. The commandant’s statement reinforces the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that schools remain safe and functional for students and staff.
This incident follows a pattern of increasing attacks on public infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in educational institutions. The recovery of stolen property and the arrest of the suspect demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between security and educational authorities. As the government continues to prioritize school safety, such operations are expected to deter future acts of vandalism and encourage greater accountability among scrap dealers and the general public.
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