The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its efforts to combat vandalism, theft, and illegal mining activities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), resulting in the arrest of sixteen individuals during separate operations. These arrests underscore the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, ensuring the security and well-being of FCT residents. The operations, spearheaded by the FCT Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit, involve round-the-clock surveillance and targeted interventions to apprehend perpetrators engaged in these illicit activities.
The arrested individuals were caught in the act during late-night operations, attempting to steal various items, including armoured cables, galvanised pipes, telecommunications equipment, and household items. The first group of three suspects, Mubarak Barau, John Yakubu, and Shamsudeen Usman, were apprehended in the Central Area while attempting to steal from the National Agricultural Development Fund. Recovered items from this operation included eight rolls of armoured cables, an LG outdoor air conditioner, a sound speaker, two plastic chairs, two bags of electrical cables, a travelling bag containing clothes, and a saw. These items highlight the diverse nature of the targeted assets and the potential disruption to essential services and public amenities.
In another incident at Brains and Hammers Estate in Apo Dutse, near ShopRite, three additional suspects, Danjuma Jerome, Maah Ishiaka, and Shefiu Muktar, were arrested for the theft of 16mm electrical wires and criminal conspiracy. This underscores the organized nature of some of these criminal activities, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures. Furthermore, in Jahi District, four suspects, Stephen Istifanus, Yakubu Thankgod, Danladi Samson, and Barnabas Sobok, were apprehended for vandalizing and stealing galvanised pipes. These pipes likely belonged to critical infrastructure, highlighting the potential for significant disruption to essential services.
The NSCDC’s efforts also extended to combating illegal mining activities. In Kallada by Cocoa, Idu, Saidu Shuibu was arrested for illegal mining. Additionally, five other individuals, Phahat Abba, Usman Adama, Ali Shefiu, Adamu Shuibu, and Yakubu Abubakar, were arrested at Kukwaba, Idu, for illegal mining and sand dredging. Recovered items from these operations included black armoured cables, three shovels, seven diggers, a knife, pincers, two pinches, transformer fuses, a ring boiler, and electrical cables. These arrests demonstrate the NSCDC’s commitment to addressing a range of criminal activities that threaten the security and stability of the FCT.
The FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, emphasised the importance of protecting public assets, stressing that they are not merely decorative but essential for the well-being of FCT residents. He reiterated the Corps’ unwavering dedication to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and security of the community. Dr. Odumosu’s statement underscores the significance of public infrastructure in providing essential services and improving the quality of life for residents. The theft and vandalism of these assets not only disrupt essential services but also represent a significant economic loss to the community.
Dr. Odumosu issued a stern warning to individuals involved in criminal activities, emphasising that the NSCDC will not tolerate such acts and will ensure that perpetrators face the full extent of the law. He also called upon FCT residents to play an active role in supporting the NSCDC’s efforts by providing timely and credible information that can aid in preventing vandalism and other criminal activities. This collaborative approach between law enforcement and the community is crucial for effectively combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of the FCT. The NSCDC’s commitment to proactive measures, coupled with community involvement, is vital for maintaining the integrity of public infrastructure and ensuring a secure environment for all residents.
