By Zainab Yunusa
The Management of the Niger State Water and Sewage Corporation (NISWASEC) wishes to inform the general public of a serious act of vandalisation and theft at its Booster Pump Station located opposite the Police Secondary School, Dutsen Kura, Minna.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 20th January 2026, when a group of about ten (10) suspected hoodlums, reportedly wielding dangerous weapons, invaded the facility between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. During the attack, the assailants assaulted and tied up the station’s watchman, rendering him helpless before proceeding to vandalise critical equipment at the site.
The criminals vandalised and carted away armoured cables connected to the 500kVA generator set, including cables linking the generator to the change-over switch. The insulators were peeled off and the metallic conductors removed, with the stolen items reportedly conveyed away using a commercial tricycle (keke napep).
The matter has since been reported to the GRA Police Station, Minna, and investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen items.
The assaulted watchman is presently receiving medical attention at Senator Idi Kuta Primary Health Centre, Old Airport Road, Minna, where he is said to be responding to treatment.
The Niger State Government, Management of NISWASEC and other stakeholders strongly condemns this criminal act, which has disrupted water supply to residents and constitutes a direct attack on public infrastructure meant to serve the common good.
Relevant technical teams have been mobilised to assess the extent of the damage and initiate necessary remedial measures to restore services as quickly as possible.
The Ministry of Water Resources and NISWASEC appeals to members of the public to be vigilant and security-conscious, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities around government facilities to security agencies or appropriate authorities.
Public assets belong to everyone, and their protection is a collective responsibility.
The Corporation reassures the people of Dutsen Kura, Minna, and the general public of its unwavering commitment to the provision of clean, safe, and reliable water supply across Niger State.