In a sweeping crackdown on infrastructure-related crimes, the Tactical Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested sixteen suspects across various districts of the Federal Capital Territory for vandalism, theft, and illegal mining.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by Monica Ojobi, Acting Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command of the NSCDC. According to the release, the operations were carried out by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit of the Corps, which has ramped up 24-hour surveillance on public utilities and government facilities across the territory.
The suspects were apprehended during multiple late-night raids and surveillance operations, as they allegedly attempted to steal high-value items ranging from electrical cables and telecommunications gear to household and construction materials.
In one of the key arrests, three men — Mubarak Barau (29), John Yakubu (24), and Shamsudeen Usman (25) — were caught red-handed in the Central Area with items stolen from the National Agricultural Development Fund.
Recovered materials included:
- 8 rolls of armoured cables
- An LG outdoor air conditioner
- A sound speaker
- Two plastic chairs
- Two bags containing electrical cables
- A travelling bag with personal clothing
- A hacksaw
In Brains and Hammers Estate, located in Apo Dutse, near ShopRite, three more suspects — Danjuma Jerome (25), Maah Ishiaka (28), and Shefiu Muktar (30) — were arrested over the theft of 16mm electrical wires and criminal conspiracy.
Elsewhere in Jahi District, another gang of four — Stephen Istifanus (43), Yakubu Thankgod (25), Danladi Samson (29), and Barnabas Sobok (37) — were taken into custody for vandalising and stealing galvanised water pipes.
The clampdown also extended to Idu, where Saidu Shuibu (43) was arrested for illegal mining activities in the Kallada by Cocoa area.
In Kukwaba, Idu axis, five others — Phahat Abba (20), Usman Adama (24), Ali Shefiu (33), Adamu Shuibu (20), and Yakubu Abubakar (21) — were apprehended for engaging in illegal sand dredging and mining.
Items recovered from this group included:
- Black armoured cables
- 3 shovels
- 7 diggers
- A knife
- Pincers and pinches
- Transformer fuses
- A ring boiler
- Electrical cables
Statement from NSCDC Commandant
Speaking on the development, the FCT NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s public infrastructure.
“These assets are not for aesthetics,” Odumosu stressed. “They are essential to make life more meaningful for the residents of the FCT. We must ensure their protection; that is why we are here.”
He issued a stern warning to those involved in such criminal activities to desist immediately, noting that the corps would not be lenient in its prosecution of offenders. He also appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence that can help thwart ongoing sabotage.
As insecurity and economic sabotage continue to plague critical sectors across Nigeria, the latest arrests by the NSCDC mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to protect national infrastructure. Prosecution of the suspects is expected to follow swiftly.
