The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested five suspected vandals during coordinated operations targeting the theft and destruction of public infrastructure across Abuja.
The Command said the operation forms part of intensified efforts to curb infrastructure vandalism, protect public assets and prevent the security and safety risks associated with the destruction of critical facilities.
The arrests were announced by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday,.
He identified the suspects as Godwin Aja, Mustapha Nasiru, Ibrahim Garba, Abdulrasheed Sale and Dabarani Mujitafa, who were arrested in connection with the recovery of vandalised public infrastructure from Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative, Lugbe and Nyanya.
According to the police commissioner, the recovered items include drainage covers, solar street lights, armoured cables used for high-voltage electricity transmission and internet communication cables worth millions of naira.
Sanusi said the activities of infrastructure vandals had contributed to road traffic accidents, injuries to pedestrians, increased street crime in poorly lit areas and power outages in communities affected by the theft of high-tension electricity cables.
He warned buyers, receivers and dealers in stolen public infrastructure that the Command had commenced extensive investigations to dismantle the entire supply and distribution network of stolen public assets and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
The police commissioner added that the recovered exhibits would be handed over to the Director of Facility Maintenance of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for reinstallation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and improving public safety in the nation’s capital.