By Palma Ileye
In view of their dogged determination to combat vandalism head-long in the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command, has made arrests of twelve (12) suspected vandals at different locations in the metropolis during the Sallah holiday.
The arrest according to a statement signed by DSC Monica Ojobi, Ag. FCT CDPRO, was made possible by the Tactical Squad of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of the FCT Command who were on routine patrol to ensure safety of lives and properties in the Federal Capital City during the Sallah celebrations.
The statement listed the suspects: Istifani Stephen, Male, 43 years old from Adamawa State, Samson Danladi, Male, 29 years old from Kaduna State, Yakubu ThankGod, Male, 35 years old from Gombe State and Barnabas Sobok, Male, 25 years old from Gombe State.
In the statement, they were all arrested at DBLO CONSTRUCTION Company at Jahi, with six pieces of galvanized iron rods.
Also, Zayyanu Muhammad, 21 years old from Sokoto State, was arrested at Karu site, Abuja municipal Area Council, AMAC vandalizing telecommunication mast accessories.
Others listed were: Sani Wakilli, Male, 55 years old, from Jigawa State; Usman Dankastina, Male, 38 years old, from Katsina State; Abdullahi Saidu, Male, 31 years old, from Katsina State; Ibrahim Haruna, Male, 32 years old, Katsina State, were arrested for vandalism, criminal conspiracy and theft at Utako axis opposite VIO office, digging up armoured cables, exhibits found on them were 3 diggers, 3 shovels, 1 axe.
Also arrested was: Sambo Abraham, Male, 34 years old, Plateau State, he was arrested by National Hospital Bridge, along Berger/Area 1 Road, vandalizing a Billboard.
While Umar Suleiman, Male, 13 years old, from Zamfara State, was caught vandalizing iron rods along Wuye District.
Meanwhile, Musa Ibrahim, Male, 20 years old, from Kaduna State, was arrested at Wuye District Area, for alleged case of vandalism and theft.
Exhibits recovered from them included armoured cables, telecommunication masts accessories, 3 shoves, 3 dagger, 1 axe, pieces of galvanized iron rods and billboards.
Commenting on the arrest, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said, the Command was determine to bring to an end the rascality of vandals in the FCT.
Odumosu stated, “You know, these criminals take advantage of festive season to perpetrate their heinous acts, we are not unaware of their tactics, the reason we man tighter surveillance during celebration period to beat them at their game.
“It is disheartening that the Federal Government and the FCT Administration under the leadership of Barr. Nyesom Wike, are practically demonstrating their own part by providing the citizenry with the essential facilities to make life meaningful and here we have some unscrupulous elements busy vandalizing this national assets for their selfish interests, this must have to stop.”
The FCT boss, maintained that the Command was poised to go all out come rain or shine to provide protection for all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure under their purview.
“We are here to serve our Fatherland, we have the responsibility to protect manhole covers, telecommunication masts and their accessories, water pipelines and other Critical National Assets provided by government to make life meaningful for the people of the FCT and we cannot renege in our efforts to actualize these all important National assignment,” he said.
He warned criminally minded elements to desist from sabotaging the efforts of the government or be ready to face the full weight of the law adding that disobedience to the law especially theft and vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure will not be treated with levity when caught.
The Commandant, accordingly, urged FCT residents to assists the Corps with vital intelligence information to help them deliver on their mandate.
