In a significant crackdown on vandalism, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has arrested eight suspects accused of destroying public infrastructure across various locations in Abuja.
The Commandant of the NSCDC FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja. He described the arrests as part of a broader campaign to protect critical infrastructure in the FCT.
“These arrests came on the heels of our resolve to chase vandals out of the FCT through a renewed operational strategy, and I am glad we are getting results,” said Odumosu.
He further revealed that the operation was carried out by the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Team (CNAI), which has been conducting 24-hour surveillance to prevent acts of vandalism, particularly during the end-of-year period.
Breakdown of Arrests and Recovered Items
Four of the suspects were apprehended in the Idu Layout CITEC area of Abuja around 2:10 a.m. while in possession of vandalized solar panel poles.
They are:
Sani Garba, 25, from Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State.
Umar Aminu, 25, from Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State.
Adekunle Oluwatoyin Eniola, 57, from Oshogbo Local Government Area of Osun State.
Emmanuel John, 27, from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The other four suspects were arrested along the Bannex-Gishiri axis at approximately 1:30 a.m. while attempting to transport five vandalized streetlight poles.
They include:
Hosea Christopher, 25, from Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Ali Musa, 16, from Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
John Sylvester, 28, from Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Idris Suleiman, 19, from Katsina Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Recovered items included five vandalized streetlight poles, one solar panel pole, and over 40 pieces of iron rods.
Condemnation and Commitment
Expressing frustration over the destruction of public infrastructure, Odumosu condemned the actions of the suspects, calling them “sabotage and wickedness.” He assured the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the city’s growing infrastructure.
“We are not going to allow the efforts of the Hon. Minister of FCT in infrastructural development to be sabotaged by some good-for-nothing individuals working against the state. I will continue to warn you to relocate out of the FCT because we are not backing down until vandalism is brought to an end in the Federal Capital Territory,” Odumosu warned.
The Commandant also urged residents of the FCT to assist the Corps with credible information and intelligence to help combat vandalism and related crimes.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with assurances from the NSCDC that they will be charged to court once the investigation concludes.
