The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the Federal Capital Territory has arrested nine suspects involved in the vandalism of critical national infrastructure across Abuja.
The arrests were part of an intensified effort by the command to protect public assets and deter criminals from destroying essential services.
The suspects were paraded at the NSCDC FCT Command, on Wednesday, in Abuja.
According to the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, four of the suspects were caught vandalising streetlights, bridges, and other public infrastructure at various locations, including Utako, Idu Industrial Area, Mabushi Bridge, and the Public Service Institute along the Kubwa Expressway.
Additionally, five individuals who were buyers of these stolen materials were apprehended at the Pantaker Market in Jabi.
“I present to you a total number of nine suspects; four of whom are vandals of critical national assets and infrastructures.
“Also, five suspects who are illicit buyers were also arrested,” he said.
Recovered items from the vandals include armoured cables, streetlights, solar panel cables, reinforcing iron rods, and dismantled telecommunication masts.
Officers also found nine Base Transceiver Station cabinets and iron grids during a search near the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Odumosu stressed the need to preserve the integrity of public infrastructure, stating that vandalism disrupts essential services and increases the government’s burden of replacing stolen assets.
The commandant added that investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the illegal purchase and sale of these materials.
“It is important to state that vandalism of public infrastructure is not a victimless crime. The damage to 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,” he added.
Odumosu urged residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities, assuring the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and security within the territory.
