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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has apprehended four individuals for allegedly vandalizing streetlight poles in different parts of Abuja. The arrests were made during routine night patrols by the agency’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Squad.
Parading the suspects before the media on Friday, NSCDC FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu emphasized the agency’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure in the nation’s capital. “These arrests reflect our continued vigilance in protecting vital public assets,” Odumosu stated.
The first set of arrests occurred at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in the Utako area, near Eden Garden, where two suspects, Japheth Adams, 21, from Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, and Friday Ojo, 51, from Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, were caught red-handed vandalizing a medium-sized streetlight pole.
The second operation took place early the next morning, at 2 a.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2024, near Moshood Abiola Stadium at the National Hospital Junction. There, Ibrahim Aliyu, 19, from Nasarawa Local Government Area, Kano State, and Hassan Abdullahi, 23, from Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, were apprehended while attempting to dismantle two large streetlight poles. The recovered items included one medium-sized traffic light pole and two large traffic light poles.
The suspects are currently under investigation, with authorities vowing to ensure that justice is served through due process.
Commandant Odumosu reaffirmed the NSCDC’s zero-tolerance stance on the destruction of public property. He issued a stern warning to vandals, scavengers, and other criminals operating in the FCT, stating, “The Federal Capital Territory is a no-go zone for vandals and criminals. We will not rest until we rid the city of those who prey on its infrastructure.”
He further urged residents to cooperate with NSCDC efforts by providing reliable intelligence, assuring them that the safety and confidentiality of informants would be maintained.