By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested four suspects in connection with vandalism of street light poles at different locations in the city centre.
The FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, while briefing journalists at the Command headquarters in Abuja on Friday, while parading the suspects, said the arrest is the latest in a series of successful operations against vandals, marking another remarkable milestone in the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat vandalism in the Federal Capital Territory.
Dr. Odumosu said arrests were made possible by its covert operatives in conjunction with the critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical team on routine night patrol in various locations of the city centre.
According to him, they were apprehended at an ungodly hour, which was an indication that their intentions were criminal in nature.
He disclosed that exhibit recovered are:
1 medium size traffic light pole, and 2 gigantic traffic light poles.
Those apprehended are: Japheth Adams, male 21 years from Zango kataf LGA, Kaduna state and his accomplice, Friday Ojo, male 51 years from Ojo LGA, Lagos state whom were both arrested around 0100 hrs on Wednesday 27/11/2024, around Eden Garden in Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory, vandalizing medium street light poles.
Also, Ibrahim Aliyu, male, 19 years from Nasarawa LGA, Kano state and Hassan Abdullahi; 23 years from Zaria LGA, Kaduna state, were caught in the act of vandalizing gigantic street light poles along Moshood Abiola stadium, National Hospital junction around 2:00 am on Thursday 28/11/2024.
The FCT NSCDC Commandant added that suspects are currently undergoing investigation and due diligence will be followed in ensuring that 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.
“Consequently, I wish to assure the FCT Minister and all residents of the Capital city that we remain committed to fulfilling our promise to bring to justice these unrelenting vandals who persist in perpetrating evil against our national assets for their selfish gain,” he added.
“It may interest you to know that my men are on 24 hour surveillance and patrol of the metropolis and the surrounding suburbs of the FCT protecting our National Assets and Infrastructure and we are not reneging in our efforts until these enemies of the state are flushed out completely.
“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”, he said.
Dr. Odumosu, however, solicited the cooperation of residents of the FCT in the area of credible intelligence and information that will assist them in serving residents of the territory better.
“Be rest assured that we will maintain utmost confidentiality, as your safety remains our top priority”.
