NSCDC Warns Abuja Drivers Against Vandalism Of Streetlight Poles
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has expressed concern over the increasing cases of vandalism of streetlight poles by drivers in Abuja. He warned that perpetrators risk prosecution if caught.
Odumosu, who described the act as reckless and detrimental to public safety, urged residents and commuters to support the Corps by reporting such offenders.
“In case you see anybody knock down a streetlight pole, you can do well by taking pictures of their number plates because you may not be able to apprehend them on our behalf due to security concerns. Once such images or videos are sent to our hotlines 09166229882 or 08159066244 and social media accounts, we will surely act on them immediately,” he stated in a statement signed on Tuesday by the command acting Spokesperson, DSC Monica Ojobi.
He emphasised that the vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) was not just a crime against the government, but also against residents who rely on such facilities.
The Commandant said the NSCDC is working closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for accurate identification of offending vehicles.
“And that is one of the essence of synergizing with FRSC and VIO since they are the custodians of number plate registration. In case there are such incidences we can track or trail any hit-and-run driver easily with information from their database,” he explained.
Odumosu stressed that offenders must be held accountable to deter others.
“Before they are able to run away, we should be able to hold the driver accountable and prosecute them. There is need to make scapegoats out of one or two road users who believe they can destroy road infrastructure without facing the consequences,” he said.
He further called on residents to complement government’s effort in safeguarding public facilities, adding that the Corps had at several times intervened in removing vandalised streetlight poles from road corridors to prevent theft, pending reinstallation by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council’s Department of Facilities Maintenance.
While reiterating the Corps’ commitment, he said, “Protection of CNAI should not be left at the doorsteps of security agencies alone. No matter how much our numbers are, we can’t be everywhere at the same time, so we need Nigerians to support us. We are doing everything possible to be ten steps ahead of vandals and that is why we are getting results.”
Odumosu, however, issued a stern warning to vandals and individuals with criminal intentions to desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
NSCDC Warns Abuja Drivers Against Vandalism Of Streetlight Poles is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
