The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended eight individuals suspected of vandalising public infrastructure across the nation’s capital.
Parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja, the NSCDC Commandant in the FCT, Olusola Odumosu, stated that the arrests are part of an intensified crackdown on vandals.
“These arrests stem from our renewed commitment to eradicating vandalism in the FCT through enhanced operational strategies, and I am pleased to see tangible results,” said Odumosu, as quoted by Monica Ojobi, the acting spokesperson for the NSCDC FCT Command, in a statement.
Four suspects were apprehended in the Idu Layout CITEC area at approximately 2:10 am, caught with vandalised solar panel poles.
The remaining suspects were intercepted along the Bannex-Gishiri axis around 1:30 am while attempting to transport five stolen streetlight poles.
The NSCDC recovered the following items from the suspects:
Ojobi confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the inquiry.
Commandant’s Warning
Expressing concern over the destruction of public assets, Commandant Odumosu issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in such activities, urging them to leave Abuja.
“We will not tolerate any attempt to sabotage the efforts of the Honourable Minister of the FCT in driving infrastructural development,” he said.
“Our covert operatives, along with the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Team, are conducting 24-hour surveillance to prevent further acts of vandalism, especially during this time of year.”
Odumosu concluded by reaffirming the Command’s resolve: “We are not backing down until the scourge of vandalism is eradicated from the Federal Capital Territory.”
