The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday paraded 20 suspects allegedly involved in vandalisation of public assets and stealing of manhole covers in FCT.
Commandant of the FCT, Olusola Odumosu, who paraded the suspects said from the intelligence gathered, most of the arrested suspects pretended to be homeless, and slept under bridges but were caught stealing manhole covers and vandalising government property in various areas in the FCT.
Odumosu also warned that the Corps would no longer condone the activities of scavengers within the capital city, saying their activities were not only against the FCT law, but some of the scavengers hide under it to commit a lot crimes.
“Some of the suspects include; John Ahmed “M” 46 yrs from Lafia LGA Nassarawa State, Abba Musa ‘’M” 25 26yrs Dala LGA Kano State, Jack Ikekwe ‘’M” 25yrs Kalabari LGA Rivers State, Kabir Dauda Ummar ‘’M” 25yrs Gwale LGA Kano State, Peter Eseh James ‘’M” 39yrs Ado LGA Benue State, Monday Magaji ‘’M” 25yrs Kajuru LGA Kaduna State, Ukechukwu Ifeanyi ‘’M” 42yrs Umupla LGA Abia State, Anthony Obey ‘’M” 29yrs Irruam LGA Crossriver State, Habibu Abubakar ‘’M” 25yrs KMC LGA Kano State, Flavour Amos ‘’M” 43yrs Latine Plateau State.
“Collins Erriom ‘’M” 24yrs Boki LGA Crossriver State, Abdulrazk Lawal ‘’M” 18yrs Matangara LGA Kastina State, Enwa Richard Ineji ‘’M” 22yr Yala LGA Crossriver State, Emeka Charles ‘’M” 21yrs Abi LGA Crossriver State, Humphrey James “M” 25yrs Boki LGA Cross-river State, Ibrahim Umar “M” 20yrs Taronie LGA Kano State, Iheancho Godfrey “M” 30yrs Atta LGA Imo State, Aliyu Abdullahi “M” 16yrs Udili LGA Kano State and Saniyu Abubakar ‘’M” 21 years from Nassarawa LGA Kano state.”
The Commandant also promised to sanitised the territory of the activities of scavengers, vandals and other criminals, warning those with bad intentions in Abuja to vacate the city, hence the law will catch up with them.
Odumosu disclosed that the suspects apprehended would be handed over to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for proper prosecution.
The Commandant said: “To counteract the escalating instances of theft and vandalism that have been adversely impacting the FCT Metropolis, the Command took an active approach.
“We activated strategically planned routine night patrols, which proved to be highly effective. In the course of these patrols, we successfully arrested nineteen (19) scavengers and miscreants within the stipulated time frame. The arrested suspects underwent comprehensive interview and profiling processes.
“Subsequently, they will be handed over to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for possible further prosecution.
“These intensified measures serve a dual purpose: deterring potential criminals and ensuring the apprehension of those responsible for these unlawful activities. Through these actions, we are sending an unequivocal and resolute message that criminal behavior will no longer be tolerated within our jurisdiction.
“The proactive strategy we have embraced underscores the unswerving commitment of the government to address the concerns of its citizens. We are steadfastly dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of critical national assets and infrastructure throughout the FCT metropolis.
“In conclusion, the FCT Command remains fully committed to upholding its duty of curbing vandalism. Our collective effort, combined with the support of the community and relevant agencies, will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more secure Federal Capital Territory.”
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
