The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested five individuals suspected of vandalism in separate operations across Abuja.
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Samuel Idoko, on Wednesday, two of the suspects, Suleiman Ibrahim (17) and Abubakar Zakari (22), both from Kano State, were caught by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department during a routine patrol near the Wuse Market Bridge.
According to the NSCDC, the duo was found in possession of iron poles they had allegedly stolen from the Arts and Culture Complex in Area 10, Garki.
The suspects were reportedly transporting the poles to buyers when they were intercepted.
A second operation, carried out by the anti-vandal unit of the NSCDC, resulted in the arrest of three more suspects at the Durumi 2 market.
Acting on a tip-off, operatives detained Aliyu Danladi (37), Jamilu Abdulrahaman (25), and Usman Ibrahim (38) while they were attempting to sell stolen items.
During the arrests, several items suspected to have been vandalised or stolen were recovered.
These include three electronic billboards, two solar batteries, a gas cylinder, a generator set, a refrigerator gas cylinder, an iron hammer, a large pair of iron scissors, an air conditioner gas pipe, an Abuja vehicle plate number, two iron pinches, a machete, and two plastic drums.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in the theft and sale of vandalised public infrastructure and household items.
The NSCDC revealed that buyers typically visit the markets at odd hours, using trucks to transport the stolen goods to unknown destinations.
Speaking on the issue, the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, called for the regulation of pantaker markets, which he described as hotspots for criminal activities.
“If we must rid the FCT of scavengers and vandals who are sabotaging the government’s efforts on infrastructural development, then, there is an urgent need to regulate pantaker markets in the Federal Capital Territory,” Odumosu stated.
He added that a majority of the stolen items from public spaces end up in the hands of buyers who frequent these markets, compounding the issue of vandalism in the capital.
The commandant lamented, “The majority of stolen and vandalised items from road and railway corridors, including household items as well as electrical installations find their way into the hands of waiting buyers at the pantaker markets and this has become increasingly worrisome.”
The NSCDC has vowed to continue its investigation, ensuring those responsible face justice.
