NSCDC nabs four for vandalizing streetlight poles in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has apprehended four individuals for vandalizing streetlight poles in Abuja.

The arrests were made at different locations during late-night operations carried out by the command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical team.

It was learnt that the arrests followed intensified night patrols initiated by the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, in response to intelligence reports revealing that vandals had shifted to targeting streetlight poles under the cover of darkness and heavy rain.

The first arrest occurred around 1am on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, near Eden Garden in the Utako area.

Two suspects, Japheth Adams, 21, from Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Friday Ojo, 51, from Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, were apprehended while vandalising a medium-sized streetlight pole.

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The second operation took place at 2am on Thursday, November 28, 2024, near the Moshood Abiola Stadium at the National Hospital Junction.

Ibrahim Aliyu, 19, from Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, and Hassan Abdullahi, 23, from Zaria Local Government Area in Kaduna State, were caught dismantling two large streetlight poles.

While parading the vandals on Friday, Dr. Odumosu noted that the arrests underscored the agency’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure in the FCT.

The commandant reassured that the FCT remains a no-go area for vandals and other criminal elements. 

He said, “Our operatives are on 24-hour surveillance and patrol across the metropolis and surrounding suburbs.

“Again, I am reaffirming my resolve this day,  that the FCT is a no-go area for vandals, scavengers and all the hoodlums sleeping under the bridges in the city after which they come out at night under the cover of darkness to vandalize and steal public infrastructure, attack unsuspecting commuters and other residents of the FCT.

“Here is a warning to all vandals in the Federal Capital Territory and I reiterate the NSCDC FCT Command’s determination to continue our onslaught against vandals in the FCT and I am not going back on my earlier pronouncement that you either repent, relocate or face the wrath of the law.

“We are not going to rest on our oars until all of you are flushed out of the FCT.”

The commandant appealed to residents of Abuja to support its efforts by providing credible intelligence and information, assuring that the confidentiality and safety of informants would be prioritised.