The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in an expanded effort during routine nighttime operations, captured 15 individuals on suspicion of vandalizing vital infrastructure within the FCT.
Comfort Okomanyi, the spokesperson for the command, put forth this information in an official statement released on Wednesday.
In a statement, the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, revealed that the individuals were apprehended at various locations across the territory during the late night, engaging in a range of criminal activities including the destruction of public property, theft, bag and phone snatching, and assaulting innocent citizens under the guise of scavenging.
Odumosu announced that the suspects in custody will be prosecuted in compliance with the law, not only holding them accountable for their deeds but also serving as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers.
As stated by the Commandant, the actions of these individuals had resulted in substantial damage to vital assets and public utilities, potentially jeopardizing public safety.
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‘The act of vandalism is not only a crime but it also inhibits the effective functioning of critical infrastructure.’
‘Critical infrastructures are vital to the survival of our nation, and any encumbrance on them poses great risk to our security, safety and other essential services,’ Odumosu said.
He stated that the Corps is actively working to ensure compliance with the ban on scavenging activities in the city center, especially in areas with major national assets and infrastructure.
‘We are resolute in enforcing this ban, safeguarding public infrastructure in the FCT and this effort will be sustained till we achieve sanity in the territory.’
‘We are going to take more robust measures to address this menace (vandalism) in the FCT once and for all,’ he said.
Items recovered from the suspects were; burglary irons, one Lexus ES 330 vehicle used in conveying stolen items, vandalised transmission cables, a climbing Belt, hammer, screwdriver, three measuring tapes, four spanners, a compass, a helmet, three reflective jackets, hacksaw, sets of ladies earrings, bags, one cart, and one pumping machine.