The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the Federal Capital Territory has reported that vandals have caused an estimated N5 million in damages to public infrastructure in Abuja.
The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, made this announcement on Monday during a press briefing following the arrest of 13 individuals suspected of vandalizing critical national assets.
The suspects were apprehended between September 7 and 9, 2024, for their involvement in the destruction of street light cables, billboards, armored electrical cables, and iron rods in various parts of the capital.
Odumosu explained that the arrests were made possible through intense surveillance, patrols, and a tip-off received by the NSCDC’s intelligence personnel working with the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department.
“The economic value of the vandalized infrastructure is estimated at five million naira only,” Odumosu stated, noting that key locations affected included the Kukwaba railway overhead bridge and Nnamdi Azikiwe Way.
The command also recovered several stolen materials from the suspects, including motorcycles, shovels, armored cables, billboards, and iron rods.
Odumosu vowed that the NSCDC would intensify efforts to protect the city’s assets and warned criminals to desist from their activities or face the full force of the law. He added that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted.
Additionally, efforts are underway to track and apprehend buyers involved in the resale of the stolen items.
“The selling points of these items are already known, and the buyers will soon be apprehended. At the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged in court so that justice may take its course,” Odumosu warned.
He also advised criminals in the FCT to either desist from their activities or relocate, as the NSCDC will leave no stone unturned in bringing them to justice.
