The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 12 individuals suspected of vandalizing public infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the recent Sallah holiday.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by NSCDC spokesperson Monica Ojobi, the arrests were carried out by the FCT Command’s Tactical Squad, which operates under the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit.
Multiple Arrests and Recovered Items
The suspects were apprehended in various locations, including Jahi, Karu Site, Utako, Wuye, and Berger/Area 1 Road. Seized items include:
- Galvanized iron rods
- Armored cables
- Billboard materials
- Tools such as shovels, diggers, and axes
Suspects and Offenses
The arrested individuals include:
- Istifani Stephen (43, Adamawa), Samson Danladi (29, Kaduna), Yakubu Thankgod (35, Gombe), and Barnabas Sobok (25, Gombe)—apprehended at a Jahi construction site with stolen iron rods.
- Zayyanu Muhammad (21, Sokoto)—accused of vandalizing a telecom mast in Karu Site.
- Sani Wakilli (55, Jigawa), Usman Dankastina (38, Katsina), Abdulahi Saidu (31, Katsina), and Ibrahim Haruna (32, Katsina)—caught in Utako with tools for digging up armored cables.
- Sambo Abraham (34, Plateau)—arrested near the National Hospital bridge for damaging a billboard.
- Umar Suleiman (13, Zamfara) and Musa Ibrahim (20, Kaduna)—detained in Wuye for similar offenses.
NSCDC’s Response & Public Advisory
FCT Commandant Dr. Olusola Odumosu condemned the rise in vandalism during public holidays, stressing that enhanced surveillance measures have been deployed to curb such crimes.
“These criminals exploit festive periods to commit their crimes. That’s why we deploy tighter surveillance during holidays to intercept and stop them,” Odumosu stated.
He emphasized the importance of protecting critical public infrastructure and warned perpetrators of strict legal consequences. Additionally, he called on Abuja residents to support NSCDC efforts by providing credible intelligence to enhance security operations.
Commitment to National Security
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, including manhole covers, telecom infrastructure, and pipelines, throughout the year.
About The Author
