{
  "id": 15613934,
  "title": "N3bn power line: Scrap dealers demand proof of cable theft from Zulum",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/n3bn-power-line-scrap-dealers-demand-proof-of-cable-theft-from-zulum-15613934",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T14:54:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/n3bn-power-line-scrap-dealers-demand-proof-of-cable-theft-from-zulum/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has challenged Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to provide evidence regarding allegations that scavengers stole cables from a N3 billion power line. According to Daily Post Nigeria, the accusation involves the Damaturu–Maiduguri electricity line and prompted Zulum to ban scrap metal trading in the state due to security concerns.\n\nNASWDEN Deputy National President Aminu Hassan Soja described the allegations against scrap dealers as unfair and unsupported by credible evidence, according to Daily Post Nigeria. Soja requested that the state government disclose specific details, such as the contractor responsible for the project, when the cables were installed, and the timing of the alleged theft.\n\nThe association further noted that scrap metal activities had already been prohibited in Borno for more than three years. NASWDEN urged the government to identify and prosecute the actual individuals responsible for the theft rather than making blanket accusations against the industry, according to Daily Post Nigeria.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "N3bn power line: Scrap dealers demand proof of cable theft from Zulum",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/n3bn-power-line-scrap-dealers-demand-proof-of-cable-theft-from-zulum",
        "published": "2026-10-19T14:36:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}