The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has apprehended nine individuals allegedly involved in the vandalism of vital national infrastructure. This crackdown is part of the command’s heightened efforts to protect public assets and prevent criminal activity.

The suspects were presented at the NSCDC FCT Command headquarters in Abuja, where the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, outlined the details of their arrest. Four suspects were caught in the act of vandalizing streetlights, bridges, and other key public infrastructure in areas such as Utako, Idu Industrial Area, Mabushi Bridge, and the Public Service Institute along the Kubwa Express Road.

Additionally, five buyers of the stolen materials were also arrested at the Pantaker Market in Jabi, underscoring the wider network involved in these illegal activities.

Recovered items included armoured cables, solar panel cables, streetlights, reinforcing iron rods, dismantled telecom masts, nine Base Transceiver Station cabinets, and iron grids found during a search near the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Commandant Odumosu emphasized the far-reaching consequences of vandalism, noting how it disrupts essential services and places a financial burden on the government, which must replace the damaged infrastructure. He assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify others involved in the illegal sale and purchase of stolen materials.

He urged residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reiterating the NSCDC’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the region.