NSCDC arrests five suspected vandals in Abuja
By Adeyanju Esther
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory has apprehended five individuals suspected of vandalism in various operations throughout Abuja.
According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, Samuel Idoko, two of the suspects, Suleiman Ibrahim (17) and AbubakarZakari (22), both hailing from Kano State, were intercepted by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department during a routine patrol near Wuse Market Bridge.
The NSCDC reported that the two suspects were found with iron poles they allegedly stole from the Arts and Culture Complex in Area 10, Garki.
They were reportedly in the process of transporting the poles to potential buyers when they were apprehended.
In a second operation conducted by the NSCDC’s anti-vandal unit, three additional suspects were arrested at Durumi 2 market.
Acting on a tip-off, operatives apprehended AliyuDanladi (37), JamiluAbdulrahaman (25), and Usman Ibrahim (38) while they were trying to sell stolen goods.
During the arrests, several items suspected to have been vandalised or stolen were recovered.
The recovered items included three electronic billboards, two solar batteries, a gas cylinder, a generator set, a refrigerator gas cylinder, an iron hammer, a large pair of iron scissors, an air conditioner gas pipe, an Abuja vehicle plate number, two iron pinches, a machete, and two plastic drums.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a broader criminal syndicate engaged in the theft and resale of vandalised public infrastructure and household items.
The NSCDC disclosed that buyers often frequent the markets during odd hours, using trucks to transport stolen goods to undisclosed locations.
Addressing the issue, FCT Commandant Dr. OlusolaOdumosuemphasised the need to regulate pantaker markets, which he labelled as hotspots for criminal activity.
He stated, “To eliminate scavengers and vandals undermining the government’s infrastructural development efforts, there is an urgent need to regulate pantaker markets in the Federal Capital Territory.”
He added that a majority of the stolen items from public spaces end up in the hands of buyers who frequent these markets, compounding the issue of vandalism in the capital.
The commandant lamented, “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.”
