The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has apprehended four individuals for allegedly vandalizing streetlight poles within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Speaking at the Command’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, the FCT Commandant of the Corps, stated that the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations by covert operatives in collaboration with the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Team during routine night patrols around various parts of the city center.
Recovered from the suspects were one medium-sized traffic light pole and two large traffic light poles.
Odumosu reiterated the Corps’ commitment to eliminating criminal elements who vandalize public infrastructure in the FCT and its surroundings. He assured residents that NSCDC would continue its efforts until these vandals are completely removed from the capital. “In view of our resilience and our mandate to protect Critical National Assets and infrastructure, the NSCDC FCT Command has once again proven its mettle in the fight against vandalism in the Federal Capital Territory,” Odumosu said.
He continued, “Today, we have four suspects in connection with the vandalism of streetlight poles at different locations in the city center. This arrest is part of our ongoing operations, which have resulted in several successes in tackling vandalism across the FCT.”
The suspects arrested include Japheth Adams, 21, from Zango Kataf LGA, Kaduna State, and his accomplice Friday Ojo, 51, from Ojo LGA, Lagos State. They were apprehended on Wednesday, 27/11/2024, at around 1:00 am in the Eden Garden area of Utako, FCT, while vandalizing medium-sized streetlight poles.
In a separate operation on Thursday, 28/11/2024, Ibrahim Aliyu, 19, from Nasarawa LGA, Kano State, and Hassan Abdullahi, 23, from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, were arrested for vandalizing large streetlight poles near the Moshood Abiola Stadium and National Hospital junction at approximately 2:00 am.
The suspects are currently under investigation, with the NSCDC assuring that due process will be followed to ensure justice is served.
“I hereby restate the determination of the FCT Command towards ensuring that all critical infrastructure, which are our common heritage, are preserved under my watch. I urge residents of the FCT to cooperate with us by providing credible intelligence and information that will help us serve you better,” Odumosu concluded.
