The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) intercepted a truck loaded with vandalized items during a night patrol operation on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred around the Dei-Dei axis of Abuja.
During a press conference on Tuesday, the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, disclosed that the truck was flagged down near the Aso Radio axis of the Kubwa Expressway due to its suspicious lack of front and rear license plates. The vehicle also displayed an unverified registration number, TRN 318ZY KANO, on its windshield.
When signaled to stop, the truck sped off, leading to a high-speed chase. It was eventually intercepted near the Dei-Dei U-turn, close to the Mobile Police Barracks.
Upon apprehension, the driver and a co-driver fled with the ignition key, leaving three other occupants behind. The suspects were immediately arrested along with the truck. Subsequently, the driver and the co-driver returned and surrendered after seeing the determination of the patrol team, which had arranged for a towing vehicle.
Recovered Items and Destination
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were transporting various stolen items from Gauta Junction in Nasarawa State to a melting company in Sabo Wuse, Niger State. The recovered items included:
- Drainage covers
- Communication mast accessories
- Bridge shoulder iron pipes
- Stainless steel pipe clamps
- Manhole covers
- Scaffold pipes
- Aluminum conductors
- Barricades from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway
- Vandalized vehicle and motorcycle parts
- Household utensils
- Wire mesh
The arrested suspects, identified as Aminu Yusuf (25), Saminu Yusuf (20), Adamu Sani (20), Suleiman Yusuf (20) from Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, and Usman Jalo (27) from Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, admitted their involvement in the transportation of the vandalized materials.
NSCDC Declares “Total War” on Vandals
Commandant Odumosu assured the public of the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and declared a “total war” against vandals and scavengers. He warned criminal elements to either desist or face the full weight of the law.
“This is a total war against vandals in the FCT. You have been warned to either repent, relocate to another place, or face the wrath of the law because the NSCDC FCT Command will come after you wherever you may be hiding,” Odumosu declared.
He further stated that efforts would target vandals operating in both the city center and the suburbs, with a focus on those using nighttime to perpetrate crimes.
Public Support Requested
The Commandant called on residents to assist by providing credible information to help the NSCDC combat vandalism. He reiterated that due process would be followed to ensure the suspects face justice.
The proactive measures underscore the NSCDC’s determination to safeguard public infrastructure and restore safety across the FCT.
