NSCDC Cracks Down on Vandalism: 9 Arrested in Abuja

NSCDC Arrests 9 Vandalism Suspects

“He was caught in the act of dismantling and vandalizing street...”

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine individuals for vandalizing critical national assets and infrastructure in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made a significant breakthrough in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in Abuja. On October 23, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the NSCDC paraded nine suspects arrested for vandalism across the city.

Vandalism Arrests

Four of the suspects were caught in the act of vandalizing essential infrastructure, including:

• Street lights
• Bridges
• Communication masts
• Armoured cables

According to Olusola Odumosu, FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, these arrests demonstrate the corps' commitment to safeguarding national assets.

Notable Arrest

One notable arrest was that of Abdullahi Sani, a 24-year-old male, who was caught dismantling and vandalizing street lights and armoured cables during a routine patrol on October 21, 2024.

“He was caught in the act of dismantling and vandalizing street lights and amoured cables around the Yoruba mosque, Utako.

“Further investigations led to the arrest of five buyers of the vandalized critical national assets and infrastructure at Pantaker, Jabi,” Odumosu said.

The NSCDC's efforts to combat vandalism and protect critical infrastructure are ongoing, ensuring the safety and security of Abuja's citizens and vital national assets.

Ishaku Toma, the second suspect, was apprehended while damaging the pavement of a bridge on Kado/Galadimawa Road, specifically in the Idu Industrial area.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been cracking down on vandalism in Abuja, arresting multiple suspects and recovering stolen items.

Recent Arrests:

• Abubakar Habibu was caught at 3:40 a.m. on October 22, digging up streetlight armoured cables near Mabushi Bridge.
• Daniel Peter, 24, was arrested on October 22 at the Public Service Institute on Kubwa Express Road for vandalizing armoured cables.

Recovered Exhibits:

The NSCDC also showcased exhibits seized from Moshood Abiola Stadium on October 15, 2024, after intercepting vandals damaging telecommunication masts in the B parking area.

These arrests and recoveries demonstrate the NSCDC's efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure in Abuja, preserving the city's integrity and safety. The command has expressed commitment to ridding the city of vandals and criminal elements destroying public infrastructure.

“Although the vandals took to their heels upon sighting personnel of the command, the already dismantled items, which include 9 Base Transceiver Station (BTS) cabinets, among others, were recovered from the bushy environment during a thorough search/combing of the entire vicinity,” he said.