The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has apprehended eight individuals suspected of vandalizing public infrastructure across various locations in Abuja.
Dr. Olusola Odumosu, the Commandant of the FCT Command, paraded the suspects at the Command headquarters in Abuja, stating that their arrest followed intensified operations targeting vandals in the city.
“These arrests are a testament to our commitment to driving vandals out of the FCT through an enhanced operational strategy, and I am pleased with the results so far,” Odumosu declared.
He revealed that the Command’s covert operatives, working under the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Team (CNAI), are conducting round-the-clock surveillance to prevent further acts of vandalism, especially during this time of the year.
Among those arrested, four suspects were apprehended at Idu Layout CITEC, Abuja, at approximately 2:10 a.m. They were caught in possession of vandalized solar panel poles. The suspects include Sani Garba and Umar Aminu, both from Kano State; Adekunle Oluwatoyin Eniola from Osun State; and Emmanuel John from Enugu State.
The remaining four were arrested along the Bannex-Gishiri axis around 1:30 a.m. while attempting to transport five vandalized streetlight poles. They are Hosea Christopher, Ali Musa, and John Sylvester, all from Kaduna State, and Idris Suleiman from Katsina State.
Recovered items include five large vandalized streetlight poles, one vandalized solar panel pole, and over 40 pieces of iron rods.
Dr. Odumosu expressed concern over the increasing destruction of public infrastructure by vandals and vowed to deal decisively with those responsible. “We are determined to support the FCT Minister’s efforts in infrastructural development by ensuring that these saboteurs are flushed out of the city,” he emphasized.
He warned vandals to leave the FCT immediately, stating, “We will not relent until the menace of vandalism is completely eradicated in the Federal Capital Territory.”
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion.
