The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested twelve suspected vandals at various locations across the city during the Sallah holiday in an effort to clamp down on vandalism in FCT.

A statement by DSC Monica Ojobi, FCT Acting Spokesperson for NSCDC, stated that the arrest was carried out by the Tactical Squad of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit of the Command, which was on routine patrol to ensure the safety of lives and property during the festive period.

The suspects were apprehended while allegedly vandalising critical public infrastructure, including telecommunication masts, galvanised iron rods, armoured cables, and billboards.

Four suspects—Istifani Stephen (43, Adamawa), Samson Danladi (29, Kaduna), Yakubu Thankgod (35, Gombe), and Barnabas Sobok (25, Gombe)—were arrested at DBLO Construction Company in Jahi with six pieces of galvanised iron rods in their possession.

Zayyanu Muhammad (21, Sokoto) was arrested at Karu Site in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) while allegedly vandalising telecom

Others include Sani Wakilli (55, Jigawa), Usman Dankastina (38, Katsina), Abdullahi Saidu (31, Katsina), and Ibrahim Haruna (32, Katsina), who were caught at the Utako axis, opposite the VIO office, allegedly involved in vandalism, criminal conspiracy, and theft. Recovered from them were three diggers, three shovels, and an axe.

Also arrested were Sambo Abraham (34, Plateau), apprehended near the National Hospital bridge along the Berger/Area 1 road for allegedly vandalising a billboard; Umar Suleiman (13, Zamfara), caught vandalising iron rods in the Wuye District; and Musa Ibrahim (20, Kaduna), also arrested in Wuye for alleged vandalism and theft.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects included armoured cables, telecommunication mast accessories, shovels, daggers, an axe, galvanised iron rods, and billboards.

Reacting to the arrests, FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the Command remains committed to stamping out vandalism across the capital.

“These criminals often take advantage of festive periods to perpetrate their heinous acts. We are not unaware of their tactics, which is why we increase surveillance during celebrations to beat them at their game,” Odumosu stated.

He condemned the destruction of public infrastructure, saying it undermines the efforts of the Federal Government and the FCT Administration under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike to improve living standards in the territory.

“It is disheartening that while the government is working hard to provide essential facilities, some unscrupulous elements are busy vandalising these assets for selfish gains. This must stop,” he said.

Odumosu reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure in the FCT, including manhole covers, telecommunication installations, and water pipelines.

“We are here to serve our fatherland and will not relent in protecting national assets, rain or shine,” he added, and warned criminal elements to desist or face the full weight of the law.

He also called on residents of the FCT to assist the Corps by providing credible intelligence that would aid their operations.