{
  "id": 15442403,
  "title": "Zulum: How Scavengers Stole N3bn Power Line Cables",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/zulum-how-scavengers-stole-n3bn-power-line-cables",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T15:07:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/zulum-how-scavengers-stole-n3bn-power-line-cables/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum disclosed that metal scavengers had stolen all the wires purchased for an N3bn electricity distribution project connecting Damaturu to Maiduguri. He emphasized the need to restrict the scrap metal trade as security intelligence pointed to insurgents using scrap dealers to dispose of looted metals. Zulum warned that his administration would not permit commercial activities to endanger public safety and infrastructure. He addressed affected business operators in Maiduguri, acknowledging the vulnerability of electricity infrastructure in the North-East, which had been disrupted by vandalism. The governor attributed the latest restrictions to intelligence linking some scrap dealers to the sale of stolen materials by insurgents. He clarified that the ban aimed to address security concerns rather than targeting legitimate businesses. Zulum had previously banned metal scavenging across Borno on July 10, 2023, citing the removal of public assets. However, the government has since taken steps to mitigate the economic impact on affected operators, offering assistance and designating evacuation sites.",
  "summary": "Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has revealed that metal scavengers carted away all the wires purchased for a N3bn electricity distribution project linking Damaturu, Yobe State, to Maiduguri. He cited the loss as a major reason the government is restricting the scrap metal trade. The governor said security intelligence also indicated that insurgents were using […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}