By Olukayode Idowu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects for vandalizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in Abuja.
Briefing journalists at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command headquarters in Abuja while parading the suspects, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu said the five suspects were arrested with a full truckload of vandalized items at Dei Dei -U- Turn by Mopol barracks last Saturday after resisting arrest at Aso Radio , Katampe axis by speeding off .
Odumosu said investigations so far has revealed that the suspects were coming from Guata junction in Nasarawa state to deposit the items at Iron Melting Company situated at Sabo Wuse, Kaduna road, Niger State.
The FCT Commandant reiterated the Corps ‘ preparedness to keep vandals out of business and out of the FCT for good.”we are not taking it lightly with those who have chosen to sabotage the good efforts and intentions of the government to give meaningful life to the residents of the FCT.”
Odumosu said that the FCT command is poised to fish out bad eggs with the constant night patrols by the eagle eyes Intelligence team as well as the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department’s Tactical team on routine night patrols.
“We have a renewed vigor to fulfil our mandate of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, we are not resting on our oars untill we rid the capital city of these miscreants”.
He disclosed that Items ranging from drainage covers, Iron pipe protection for bridge shoulder, communication Mast accessories, Rolls of stainless steel pipe clamps, Angle bar from public water tank and scaffold pipes and clips were recovered.
Other recovered Items included Manhole covers, Electricity Aluminum conductors, wire mesh, Armoured Aluminum conductors, Iron steel section -U, Angle and I section, Rice Milling Machine Iron, Welding wires , Binding Wires, Barb Wires, Vandalized Motorcycle parts, vandalized Vehicle parts, Vandalized Wheel Barros and Household Utensils/ properties suspected to have been stolen.
He said suspects arrested are Aminu Yusuf, 25 years, Saminu Yusuf, 20 years;
Adamu Sani, 20 years; Suleiman Yusuf, 20 years; and Usman Jalo, 27 years.
He assured the corps’ unwavering commitment and determination to continue to perform their duty optimally until vandals, scavengers (Babanbola) and other saboteurs are chased out of the FCT.
He said: “We want to state clearly that FCT is a no go area for vandals, scavengers and all the hoodlums sleeping under the bridges in the city and coming out at night to vandalism government property and attacking innocent commuters and residents.”
He warned vandals to either repent, relocate or be ready to face the wrath of the law stating that the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and due diligence would be followed in ensuring that justice served.
Odumosu, while re- emphasizing the corps ‘ commitment to secure the FCT, solicited the public’s cooperation in the area of prompt intelligence information to enable the corps serve them better.