The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has apprehended five suspects for vandalizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in Abuja. The suspects were caught with a truckload of stolen items on Saturday, November 16, 2024, following a dramatic chase and resistance to arrest.
Speaking at the Command headquarters while parading the suspects, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, disclosed that the suspects were intercepted at Dei-Dei U-Turn, near the Mopol Barracks, after evading initial arrest at the Aso Radio, Katampe axis.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects transported the vandalized items from Guata Junction in Nasarawa State and intended to deliver them to an iron melting company in Sabo Wuse, Niger State.
Dr. Odumosu reaffirmed the Corps’ determination to combat vandalism and safeguard public infrastructure. “We are not taking it lightly with those who have chosen to sabotage the good efforts and intentions of the government to give meaningful life to the residents of the FCT,” he stated.
Recovered Items
The Commandant detailed the extensive inventory of recovered items, including:
Drainage covers, iron pipe protection for bridge shoulders, and communication mast accessories
Rolls of stainless steel pipe clamps, angle bars from public water tanks, and scaffold pipes and clips
Manhole covers, aluminum electricity conductors, and wire mesh
Armored aluminum conductors, iron steel sections (U, angle, and I sections), and other materials
Household items such as rice milling machine iron, welding wires, binding wires, barbed wires, vandalized vehicle and motorcycle parts, wheelbarrows, and other stolen properties
Arrested Suspects
The arrested individuals were identified as:
1. Aminu Yusuf, 25, male, from Bebeji LGA, Kano State
2. Saminu Yusuf, 20, male, from Bebeji LGA, Kano State
3. Adamu Sani, 20, male, from Bebeji LGA, Kano State
4. Suleiman Yusuf, 20, male, from Bebeji LGA, Kano State
5. Usman Jalo, 27, male, from Keffi LGA, Nasarawa State
Enhanced Security Measures
Commandant Odumosu highlighted the Corps’ robust measures to curb such activities, including night patrols by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department’s Tactical Team and the Eagle Eyes Intelligence Team.
“We have a renewed vigor to fulfill our mandate of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure. We are not resting on our oars until we rid the capital city of these miscreants,” he emphasized.
He issued a stern warning to vandals, urging them to “repent, relocate, or be ready to face the wrath of the law.” Odumosu added that the FCT Command remains resolute in removing scavengers and hoodlums from the city. “We want to state clearly that the FCT is a no-go area for vandals, scavengers, and all the hoodlums sleeping under the bridges in the city and coming out at night to vandalize government property and attack innocent commuters and residents.”
Call for Public Cooperation
Dr. Odumosu appealed to FCT residents to provide timely intelligence to assist the Corps in safeguarding the city. “We solicit the public’s cooperation in the area of prompt intelligence information to enable the Corps serve them better,” he concluded.
The suspects are currently undergoing investigation, and the NSCDC has assured that due diligence will be followed to ensure justice is served.
