Shocking Rise: 4 Stolen Prepaid Meters Recovered in Adamawa

Shocking Rise: 4 Stolen Prepaid Meters Recovered in Adamawa
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has warned residents in Adamawa against buying electricity meters from unauthorized sellers.
The company says this practice encourages meter theft and could lead to legal trouble.
Blessing Tunoh, YEDC’s Communications Officer, raised concerns over a growing trend of stolen prepaid meters in the state.
In January 2025 alone, four cases were reported in Jimeta, the state capital.
“However, swift action by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) led to the recovery of all four stolen meters and the arrest of three suspects,” Tunoh said.
Two of the stolen meters were found in rented apartments in Jokems, Jambutu. Another was retrieved from a shop in Rumdebaru bye-pass, both in Yola North Local Government Area.
A fourth stolen meter, linked to a case on Barracks Road, remains under investigation.
Authorities say the prime suspect is still on the run. The buyer of this stolen meter was briefly detained but later released after an initial investigation.
Security operatives have also arrested three more individuals for crimes related to power infrastructure.
Their offences include unauthorized meter removal, illegal access to power facilities, and involvement in meter theft.
YEDC has urged customers to only purchase meters through official channels.
The company warned that anyone found with a stolen meter would be treated as an accomplice.
“Meter theft is a criminal offence punishable by law, with offenders facing up to three years in prison or a hefty fine,” YEDC stated.
The company is calling on residents to stay alert and report stolen meters to the nearest police station.
Those affected should also file an official complaint at the nearest YEDC office with a police extract.
Authorities have promised to continue cracking down on meter theft. Meanwhile, residents are being encouraged to verify the legitimacy of their meter purchases to avoid legal consequences.
This surge in stolen prepaid meters has raised concerns about the security of power infrastructure in Adamawa.
Many residents rely on prepaid meters for electricity billing, making them a prime target for criminals.
A Jimeta resident, Musa Ibrahim, shared his concerns.
“I know someone who had to buy a new meter because his was stolen. The process of getting a replacement is stressful and expensive.”
Experts believe that increasing surveillance around power infrastructure could help curb this rising trend.
Meanwhile, YEDC says it is working with security agencies to track and prosecute those behind the thefts.
The NSCDC, which has played a key role in recent arrests, has assured residents that it will intensify efforts to protect public infrastructure.
“We are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring that people can access electricity without fear of theft,” an NSCDC spokesperson said.
As the crackdown continues, customers are advised to be cautious and avoid purchasing meters from unknown sources.
YEDC has reiterated that official purchases guarantee safety, legitimacy, and legal protection.
The rising cases of stolen prepaid meters have sparked debates over whether stricter regulations and harsher penalties are needed.
Some residents are calling for better security measures, such as tamper-proof meters and community-based monitoring.
Until a lasting solution is found, YEDC and security agencies are urging the public to report suspicious activities.
Anyone caught in possession of a stolen meter risks prosecution, and authorities say ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse.
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