The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has successfully arrested groups of suspects involved in the vandalism and theft of manhole covers within the territory.
According to the Commissioner of police, Mr. Tunji Disu, operatives conducted a targeted operation, leading to the arrest of fifty (50) suspects and recovery of twenty-five (25) manhole covers, three (3) vehicles, vandalized solar street lights, galvanized rods used in the construction of flyovers, other tools used in vandalizing the government installations, and several other exhibits at various panteka hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse areas.
“In our continued partnership in our shared commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property within the FCT, we are pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to tackle the menace of vandalism, which poses serious risks to public safety and infrastructure”
Mr. Disu said investigations have revealed that these individuals operate as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.
He said the criminal activity endangers the lives of the general public by creating hazards on roads and walkways while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure.
Exhibits recovered are twenty-five (25) galvanized manhole covers, five (5) solar street lights, several galvanized poles used in the construction of flyovers, fifteen (15) street light poles cut into smaller pieces, Several rolls of high voltage AEDC cables,Two locally made pistols, Two live cartridges, one sharp knife, thirty (30) tubes of triple sub glue, several charms, thirteen (13) large solar panels and seven (7) barrels of diesel suspected to have been stolen from network masts
Others are one (1) Volkswagen sporter bus with Reg. No. BJK 592 XA reconstructed into a diesel tanker, one Toyota Carina II vehicle with Reg. No. RBC 312 JL, several iron rebar rods, nine (9) car tire rims, one (1) fire extinguisher, eleven (11) plasma TV sets, everal decoders and remotes, thirteen (13) cement bags, two reinforced iron doors, three (3) pumping machines suspected to be used in extracting diesel, two (2) car batteries, one photo frame, one (1) pack of tiles, sixteen (16) plastic chairs, three (3) generators, one (1) aluminum ladder, one (1) wheel barrow, one (1) roll of roofing sheets, two (2) gas cylinders, one (1) indoor and outdoor AC Unit, four (4) sumo water pumps and Several iron cutting tools
According to Mr. Disu, the diversity and volume of recovered items highlight the extensive and organized nature of these syndicates, whose activities have caused significant harm to public infrastructure projects and services in the FCT.
Mr. Disu said the achievement underscores the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the critical infrastructure of the Federal Capital Territory.
He emphasize that the FCT Police Command and other sister security agencies operate a zero-tolerance policy toward acts of vandalism and theft that undermine public infrastructure and safety.
FCT Police Nabb 50 suspects For Vandalism And Theft Of Manholes In Abuja
