The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended four individuals suspected of vandalising streetlight poles across various locations in Abuja.
These arrests were made during routine night patrols conducted by the command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Team.
While presenting the suspects in Abuja on Friday, NSCDC FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu emphasized that the arrests reflect the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical infrastructure in the FCT.
The first incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, near Eden Garden in the Utako area.
Two suspects, Japheth Adams, 21, from Zango Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State, and Friday Ojo, 51, from Ojo Local Government Area in Lagos State, were caught vandalizing a medium-sized streetlight pole.
The second operation took place at 2 a.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2024, near the National Hospital Junction close to Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Two more suspects, Ibrahim Aliyu, 19, from Nasarawa Local Government Area in Kano State, and Hassan Abdullahi, 23, from Zaria Local Government Area in Kaduna State, were found dismantling two large streetlight poles.
Recovered items include one medium-sized and two large traffic light poles. The suspects are currently under investigation, with authorities assuring that all necessary legal procedures will be followed to ensure justice is served.
Commandant Odumosu reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets in the FCT. He issued a stern warning to vandals, scavengers, and other criminal elements to desist from their activities, relocate, or face severe legal consequences.
He said, “Our operatives are on 24-hour surveillance and patrol across the metropolis and surrounding suburbs.
“Again, I am reaffirming my resolve this day, that the FCT is a no-go area for vandals, scavengers and all the hoodlums sleeping under the bridges in the city after which they come out at night under the cover of darkness to vandalize and steal public infrastructure, attack unsuspecting commuters and other residents of the FCT.
“Here is a warning to all vandals in the Federal Capital Territory and I reiterate the NSCDC FCT Command’s determination to continue our onslaught against vandals in the FCT and I am not going back on my earlier pronouncement that you either repent, relocate or face the wrath of the law.
“We are not going to rest on our oars until all of you are flushed out of the FCT.”
The commandant appealed to residents of Abuja to support its efforts by providing credible intelligence and information, assuring that the confidentiality and safety of informants would be prioritised.
