The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has apprehended eight suspects involved in the vandalism of public infrastructure in various parts of Abuja. This development comes as part of the command’s ongoing operations to curb the increasing acts of vandalism within the FCT.
Arrests Made in Coordinated Operations
The Commandant of the NSCDC FCT Command, Olusola Odumosu, revealed the arrests during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He commended the efforts of the corps’ covert operatives and the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Team, whose persistent surveillance and quick response led to the apprehension of the suspects.
The first group of four suspects was intercepted in the early hours of Saturday around 2:10 a.m. at Idu Layout CITEC. They were found with vandalized solar panel poles. The individuals, identified as Sani Garba, Umar Aminu, Adekunle Oluwatoyin Eniola, and Emmanuel John, hail from Kano, Osun, and Enugu states, respectively.
On Sunday, another group of four suspects was arrested around 1:30 a.m. along the Bannex-Gishiri axis while attempting to transport five vandalized streetlight poles. The suspects—Hosea Christopher, Ali Musa, John Sylvester, and Idris Suleiman—originate from Kaduna and Katsina states.
Items Recovered and Nature of Vandalism
Recovered items from both arrests include five large streetlight poles, one solar panel pole, and over forty iron rods, all suspected to have been stolen from public installations. These materials, essential for public infrastructure, were being dismantled and transported illegally, causing significant losses to the government.
Odumosu emphasized the detrimental impact of these criminal activities on Abuja’s infrastructure development. “The increasing destruction of public assets undermines the hard work of the government and threatens the safety and convenience of residents,” he stated.
Commitment to Eradicating Vandalism
Reiterating the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure, Odumosu warned vandals to desist from their illegal activities. “We are not going to allow the efforts of the Honorable Minister of the FCT in infrastructural development to be sabotaged by some good-for-nothing individuals working against the state,” he said.
He added, “Relocate out of the FCT if you are involved in such acts because we are determined to end vandalism. Our operations will intensify, and we will ensure the full force of the law is applied to those found culpable.”
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The apprehended suspects are currently under investigation. According to the commandant, once the investigations are completed, the suspects will face appropriate legal charges.
The NSCDC also called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around public infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the protection and longevity of government projects.
Broader Implications
Vandalism of public infrastructure has become a growing concern in the FCT and other parts of Nigeria. The impact extends beyond financial loss, disrupting services such as street lighting, transportation, and public utilities that citizens rely on daily.
The recent arrests highlight the NSCDC’s proactive approach to combating this menace. However, experts argue that public awareness campaigns and community engagement are equally important in addressing the root causes of such crimes.
As the investigation into the current cases progresses, the NSCDC’s actions send a strong message to individuals involved in the destruction of public property. The corps is determined to protect national assets and ensure that Abuja’s infrastructural development continues without further setbacks.
The suspects will be presented in court once investigations conclude, marking another step in the fight against vandalism and the promotion of accountability.
