The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended nine suspects involved in the vandalization of critical national assets and infrastructure in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu revealed that the arrests were part of an intensified operation to protect public infrastructure. Among the detained individuals is Abdulahi Sani, 24, who was caught dismantling armored streetlight cables near Yoruba Mosque in Utako during a routine patrol on Monday.
Further investigations led to the arrest of five buyers of stolen infrastructure in Jabi’s Pantaker area. Another suspect, Ishaku Toma, 32, was caught vandalizing bridge pavements along the Kado/Galadimawa road, using rocks to extract reinforcing iron rods.
Additional arrests included Abubakar Habibu, 22, who was apprehended early Tuesday morning while attempting to steal streetlight cables at Mabushi Bridge, and Daniel Peter, 24, who was detained for vandalizing armored cables at the Public Service Institute along Kubwa Express Road.
Odumosu also disclosed the recovery of exhibits from vandals intercepted at Moshood Abiola Stadium on October 15, 2024. Despite the culprits fleeing, NSCDC officers recovered two Base Transceiver Station (BTS) cabinets and seven others dismantled at the site.
The command arrested five additional suspects linked to the illegal purchase of stolen assets: Auwal Ibrahim, 35; Abubakar Ashamu, 25; Yusuf Isah, 34; Salisu Umar, 30; and Odinaka Chukwu, 51.
“The vandalism of public infrastructure is a serious crime that affects everyone,” Odumosu stated, emphasizing the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding critical assets in the FCT. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Investigations are ongoing to track down key players behind the criminal operations, with all suspects facing prosecution.
