By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested two suspects for alleged criminal conspiracy and vandalism of electrical infrastructure in Abuja.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Shafiu, 35, from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Ishaya Bulus, 25, from Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, were apprehended during an operation by operatives of the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) unit in the Chika area along Airport Road, Abuja.
According to the Command’s statement issued by DSC Monica Ojobi, FCT CDPRO, the arrests followed credible intelligence reports which led to a swift operation targeting vandals of public infrastructure in the area.
Items recovered from the suspects include a cutting saw and armoured cables allegedly vandalised from public facilities.
Speaking on the development, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
Odumosu expressed concern over the continued destruction of public facilities, describing the activities of vandals as detrimental to national development and public welfare.
“It is disheartening that some individuals are still bent on taking the country backwards. Funds used by government to replace vandalised assets could have been channelled into other developmental projects. Beyond that, such acts directly affect residents through power outages and blackouts resulting from damaged electricity facilities,” he said.
FCT boss called on residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
“It is imperative that we watch out for these criminals and report them promptly to security agencies. It behoves all of us to fight vandals to a standstill in the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.
The Commandant urged members of the public to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest NSCDC office or through the Command’s emergency lines: 09166229882 and 08159066244.
The NSCDC said the suspects were currently undergoing further investigation and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations in accordance with the law.
