The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 36 suspects for vandalism, theft, and destruction of public assets across Abuja and its environs. The suspects were caught with dangerous weapons, narcotics, and other illicit substances, marking a significant operation to curb crime in the region.
FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, attributed the arrests to the enforcement of new policies, including the suspension of activities in Pantaker Markets and a ban on scavengers, as directed by FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike. He emphasized that scavengers pose significant security risks, with intelligence linking them to criminal activities such as terrorism and robbery.
Odumosu condemned the rampant theft of public infrastructure, including manhole covers, streetlights, and solar panels, noting that many scavengers disguise as harmless individuals while engaging in these crimes. He also revealed that they often serve as informants to criminal gangs, endangering the lives and properties of Abuja residents.
The Commandant urged the public to remain vigilant, warning of the rising trend of scavengers using dangerous weapons to rob unsuspecting citizens. He further highlighted that these individuals assess potential victims through their waste disposal patterns, calling for stricter enforcement to safeguard the FCT’s infrastructure and residents.
