Seven suspected vandals arrested in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested seven suspects in connection with the vandalism of critical infrastructure in Abuja.

The arrests followed intensified surveillance efforts of the NSCDC aimed at curbing the destruction of public assets in FCT, a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, disclosed on Tuesday.

It stated that five of the suspects were apprehended over the weekend along Constitution Avenue, Central Area, during a midnight operation while the men were caught attempting to remove manhole covers and armoured cables.

Items recovered from the suspects include two manhole covers, underground armored cables, two diggers, and two vehicles, a Toyota Carina and a Toyota Corolla, which were allegedly meant to transport the stolen items.

The suspects, identified as Nafiu Ibrahim, 19; Shefiu Sadiq, 21; Yahaya Musbau, 24; Mohanzam Muktar, 20; and Yunusa Ma’aruf, 19, are all from Kurfi Local Government Area in Katsina State.

In another operation near the Presidential Villa, two additional suspects were arrested for vandalising reinforced concrete drainage rods.

The suspects, Haruna Yahaya, 20, from Kura Local Government Area in Kano State, and Haliru Sanusi, 22, from Jibia Local Government Area in Katsina State, were taken into custody with evidence linking them to the crime.

The NSCDC FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu condemned the vandalism as barbaric and inhuman, describing it as a major threat to national assets.

He called for stricter penalties and the regulation of pantaker markets, which he believes encourage such illegal activities by providing a market for stolen items.

He also appealed to residents of the FCT to assist the command by providing credible intelligence to help protect public infrastructure, emphasising the importance of community collaboration in combating vandalism.

“This is unacceptable, barbaric and evil. And it must stop immediately because we are not backing down on our quest to bring an end to this ugly trend.

“If they have decided not to repent, we will continue to change tactics and re-strategise until we bring this menace of vandalism to an end,” Odumosu said.

The suspects are currently undergoing investigation, and the NSCDC assured the public that due process would be followed to ensure justice.