Wike Orders Security Services To Crack Down On FCT Streetlight Vandals

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike

FCT Minister Wike called an emergency security meeting with area council chairs and security chiefs in the nation's capital. He gave them instructions to step up their efforts and deal with the growing security threats

The federal capital territory's (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered security services to crack down on offenders who damage city street lights.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)'s Peter Olumuji, secretary of the department of security's command and control center, told NAN on Monday that although efforts were being made to repair and make all of the city's street lights operational again, some miscreants had taken to vandalizing them.

He said that the security service's FCTA department had received reports about vandalism, which primarily occurs at night.

According to him, the criminals target the batteries, solar panels, and lightning mechanisms, such as the poles, that power solar-powered street lights.

According to Olumuji, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has instructed the commissioner of police in the FCT who oversees internal security as well as the officer in charge of the NSCDC's critical infrastructure and national assets to take tough measures against the offenders.

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“The street lights were bought with taxpayers' money and installed to brighten the city at night and ensure that FCT is secured, but sadly, some criminal elements among us are vandalising them. This is sad,” he said.

“The minister had directed the security agencies to ensure that all the miscreants that go about vandalising street lights are apprehended and prosecuted to end the wicked act.

“They are making progress and soon, some of the vandals apprehended would be paraded and taken to court for prosecution.

“The street lights were installed for the benefit of all residents and to enable people to move freely within the city at night.

“However, you cannot vandalise the street lights and still complain that the government is not doing anything.”

Olumuji urged locals to report any suspicious movements to security agencies and stated that plans are in place to replace the vandalized street lights.

He clarified that since no criminal wants to operate in bright lights, adequate lighting enhances city security.