The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Federal Capital Territory Command has arrested seven people in connection with the vandalism of critical infrastructure in Abuja.
According to a statement by NSCDC spokesperson Monica Ojobi on Tuesday, the arrests followed intensified surveillance efforts to prevent the destruction of public assets in the FCT.
Five of the suspects were caught over the weekend during a midnight operation along Constitution Avenue, Central Area. They were attempting to steal manhole covers and armoured cables.
The arrested suspects were found with two manhole covers, underground armoured cables, two diggers, and two vehicles—a Toyota Carina and a Toyota Corolla—meant to transport the stolen goods.
The suspects have been identified as Nafiu Ibrahim, 19; Shefiu Sadiq, 21; Yahaya Musbau, 24; Mohanzam Muktar, 20; and Yunusa Ma’aruf, 19, all from Kurfi Local Government Area in Katsina State.
In another operation near the Presidential Villa, two more suspects were arrested for vandalizing reinforced concrete drainage rods.
The additional 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 also taken into custody with evidence linking them to the crime.
NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, condemned the acts, calling them barbaric and a serious threat to national assets.
“This is absolutely unacceptable, it is 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,” Odumosu said.
He added that if the vandals refused to repent, the NSCDC would continue to adjust its strategies until vandalism was completely stopped.
Odumosu called for stricter penalties for offenders and regulation of pantaker markets, which he believes encourage illegal activities by providing a market for stolen items.
He also appealed to FCT residents to assist the NSCDC by providing credible information to help protect public infrastructure.
The suspects are currently under investigation, and the NSCDC assured the public that the legal process would be followed to ensure justice.
