NSCDC Arrests Nine for Vandalism in FCT Abuja

October 25, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) in the Federal Capital Territory has apprehended nine suspects linked to the vandalism of vital national infrastructure in Abuja. These arrests are part of a concerted effort by the command to safeguard public assets and deter criminal activities that threaten essential services.

The suspects were presented at the NSCDC FCT Command in Abuja on Wednesday. FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu reported that four of the individuals were apprehended while vandalising streetlights, bridges, and other public infrastructure at several locations, including Utako, Idu Industrial Area, Mabushi Bridge, and the Public Service Institute along the Kubwa Motorway.

Furthermore, five individuals who purchased the stolen materials were arrested at the Pantaker Market in Jabi.

He stated, “I present to you a total of nine suspects, four of whom are vandals of critical national assets and infrastructure. Also, five suspects who are illicit buyers were also arrested.”

Items recovered from the vandals include armoured cables, streetlights, solar panel cables, reinforcing iron rods, and dismantled telecommunication masts.

Officers also discovered nine Base Transceiver Station cabinets and iron grids during a search near Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Odumosu emphasised the importance of protecting public infrastructure, noting that vandalism disrupts essential services and places an additional burden on the government to replace stolen assets.

He further mentioned that investigations are underway to identify others involved in the illegal buying and selling of these materials.

“It is important to state that vandalism of public infrastructure is not a victimless crime. The damage to the public infrastructure affects every resident of the FCT.

“It disrupts the provision of essential services, endangers lives, and places an additional burden on the government’s efforts and resources to replace the stolen assets.

“The parade of these suspects today and the huge amount of exhibits recovered from them is a testament to the effectiveness of the proactive strategy and intensified patrol by the NSCDC FCT Command to deter vandals and other criminals, as well as to ensure the apprehension of those responsible for such illegalities in the FCT.

Odumosu encouraged FCT residents to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities, reaffirming the government’s dedication to ensuring peace and security in the region.