The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six suspected vandals of public infrastructure at various locations across the FCT.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by DSC Monica Ojoni, the command’s acting spokesperson, the arrests happened during routine patrols carried out as part of the command’s year-end operations to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure during the Yuletide celebration.
Ojobi stated that one of the suspects, Salihu Mohammed, a 27-year-old from Jama Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was caught in Life Camp, Kado, while vandalizing armoured cables.
Similarly, 28-year-old Mohammed Gadhafi, from Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was arrested along the Yar’Adua Expressway near the Airport Road while vandalizing solar panel poles and FCMB billboard poles.
Also, Musa Ibrahim, an 18-year-old from Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, was apprehended along the same expressway in possession of vandalized ‘El-Rufai bus’ car parts.
Three other suspects — Suleiman Yusuf, 21, Ibrahim Mudassir, 27, and Kabiru Sani, 22 — all from Zamfara State, were arrested with various items.
The items included streetlight poles, light bulbs, security light equipment, tools, and cash totaling N13,200.
Among the exhibits were, a streetlight pole cut into two pieces, 3 streetlight bulbs of different types, one halogen bulb security light, twenty-four perimeter fencing iron hooks, and tools such as shovels, pliers, spanners, and screwdrivers.
A National Identity Card belonging to Kabiru Sani and two passport photographs, other miscellaneous items including three finger rings, a lighter, and an earpiece were found on them.
During the parade of the suspects at the Command headquarters in Abuja, the Commandant of the FCT, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, commended his personnel for their dedication to the Corps’ mandate.
He noted the Command’s commitment to eradicating vandalism and protecting public infrastructure.
“My officers and men have displayed gallantry and commitment to the enforcement of law and order in the FCT and its environs during the festive period. It is unfortunate that these nefarious elements are sabotaging the social amenities provided for the people of the FCT by the government. But we assure you that we shall not rest on our oars but continue to maintain our resolve to protect critical infrastructure while at the same time arresting these criminals,” Odumosu stated.
The Commandant further revealed that the suspects are undergoing investigations and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He urged FCT residents to support the Corps by providing relevant information to help combat vandalism and other crimes in the nation’s capital.