The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently arrested seven individuals for vandalizing essential infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The arrests were made after the suspects were caught in the act of damaging and stealing important materials such as manhole covers and drainage parts.

Olusola Odumosu, the Corps Commandant in charge of the FCT, made this announcement on Tuesday while displaying the recovered items at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja. According to Odumosu, five of the suspects were caught while removing manhole covers and armored cables along Constitution Avenue in the Central Business District of Abuja. The remaining two were apprehended for stealing concrete reinforcement rods used in drainage construction near the Presidential Villa.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects were: two manhole covers, underground armoured cables, two diggers.

“Impounded also, was one Toyota Carina and one Toyota Corolla car that were on standby to evacuate their loot,” Odumosu said.

The arrested individuals are now under investigation, and Odumosu assured that the proper legal processes would be followed to ensure justice is served. He condemned the ongoing vandalism of infrastructure, describing it as cruel and harmful to society.

In his statement, Odumosu also stressed the importance of regulating the activities of scrap metal dealers in the FCT. He explained that without a market for stolen materials, vandals would have less incentive to commit these crimes.

Finally, he urged the Federal Government to impose stricter laws and harsher penalties for vandalism, stating that tougher consequences would deter others from engaging in such unlawful acts.