By Palma Ileye
In continue of the Corps’ relentless efforts against the menace of vandalism and theft bedeviling the FCT and the matching orders from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to ban the activities of scavengers, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command, has made another arrest of twelve (12) suspects at different locations across the Capital city.
This in a press release issued by DSC Monica Ojobi, Ag. FCT CDPRO is a testament to the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure as well as the lives and property of the residents of the Federal Capital Territory and it’s environs.
The suspects according to the statement are: Lawal Salisu, Male, 38 years old, from Ganjuwa LGA, Bauchi State, Yusuf Isah, Male, 25 years old from Kano Municipal LGA, Kano State, Abubakar Garba, Male, from Bichi LGA , Kano State, Anas Musa, Male, 20 years old from Igabi LGA, Kano State, Mansur Sabiu Yusuf, Male, 20 years from Rano LGA, Kano State, Nazifi Shu’aiabu, Male, 29 years old from Karaye LGA, Kano State, Kamaladden Nasiru, Male, 22 years old from Kaura Namoda, Zamfara, Jamilu Aminu, Male, 17 years old from Danja LGA, Katsina State.
Others are, Anas Aliyu, Male, 18 years old, Kpagwai LGA, Kano State, Nafiu Ashinu, Male, 20 years old from Kurfi LGA, Katsina State, Abubakar Aminu, Male , 20 years from Karaye LGA, Kano State and John Adanne, Male, 28 years old, Imo State.
Speaking on the arrests, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the activities of these criminals pose significant threats to the safety of the people of the FCT as well as truncate the good intentions of the government to provide the needed amenities meant to make life meaningful for the people.
Odumosu said, “I want to remind residents of Abuja that the ban on scavenging in the FCT remains sacrosanct and I am determined to ensure that the ugly trend of vandalism and theft perpetrated by this group of people is brought to an end in the city of Abuja and it’s suburbs.”
He affirmed that the scrap market popularly known as pantaker market in the FCT was undergoing profiling to streamline their activities in a way that only genuine and certified dealers were allowed to operate in the market.
“Anyone found selling stolen government property like rail tracks, streetlight poles and panels, manhole covers, armoured cables and the likes will be arrested, made to face the wrath of the law and his business permenently closed,” he stated.
He charged genuine businessmen operating at the pantaker market to verify the origin of all the goods they acquire and desist from shielding thieves who bring stolen items to them else they will face charges as accomplices.
The FCT Command helmsman accordingly, urged FCT residents to report to any Security outfit close to them once they sight any scavenger around their vicinity.
