NSCDC Recovers Solar Batteries, Gas Cylinders, Generator, Others From 5 Vandals

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspected vandals in two separate operations in Abuja.

A statement on Wednesday by its spokesman, CSC Samuel A. Idoko, said the suspects were caught in possession of stolen items believed to have been vandalised from public infrastructure.

Idoko stated that in the first operation, two suspects, Suleiman Ibrahim, 17, and Abubakar Zakari, 22, both from Kano State, were arrested near Wuse Market Bridge.

The duo were found carrying iron poles which they had allegedly stolen from the Arts and Culture Complex in Area 10, Garki.

The suspects were apprehended by officers from the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department, who were on routine patrol.

According to the NSCDC, the two men are currently cooperating with authorities and providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of their buyers.

In a separate operation, three more suspects were arrested by the anti-vandal unit of the NSCDC at the Durumi 2 pantaker market following a tip-off.

The suspects, Aliyu Danladi, 37, from Kano State; Jamilu Abdulrahman, 25, from Zamfara State; and Usman Ibrahim, 38, from Sokoto State, were arrested at midnight while attempting to transport stolen and vandalized goods.

Idoko noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the three men are part of a larger syndicate. According to the statement, buyers come to the location where they were arrested at ungodly hours with trucks to buy the items and convey them to destinations yet to be known.

Items recovered from them include three (3) Electronic billboards, two (2) Solar batteries, one (1) Gas cylinder, one (1) Generator set, one (1) Refrigerator gas cylinder, one (1) Iron hammer, one (1) Big Iron scissors, one (1) Air Conditioner gas pipe, Abuja vehicle plate number, two (2) Iron Pinches, one (1) Machete, and two (2) Plastic drums.

The FCT Commandant of NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, raised concerns over the increasing criminal activities at pantaker markets in the FCT, where stolen and vandalized items are routinely sold. He emphasised the need for urgent regulation of the markets to curb the sale of such goods and protect national infrastructure.

“If we must rid the FCT of scavengers and vandals who are sabotaging the efforts of the government on infrastructural development, then, there is an urgent need to regulate pantaker markets in the Federal Capital, Territory”

“The majority of stolen and vandalised items from road and railway corridors, including household items as well as electrical installations find their way into the hands of waiting buyers at the pantaker markets and this has become increasingly worrisome”, he said.

The NSCDC has vowed to continue arresting those involved in vandalism and ensure that justice is served, adding that investigations are ongoing, and all suspects will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

NSCDC Recovers Solar Batteries, Gas Cylinders, Generator, Others From 5 Vandals is first published on The Whistler Newspaper