The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police command Monday said its operatives arrested no fewer than 50 suspects for vandalism and theft of manhole covers within the territory.
It was learnt that the suspects were arrested at various “panteka” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse areas.
About 25 manhole covers, 3 vehicles, vandalised solar streetlights, galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers, other tools used in vandalising these government installations, and several other exhibits were also recovered.
The FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, stated these at a press briefing Monday, saying that investigations revealed that the suspects operated as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.
He said: “Our operatives conducted a targeted operation, leading to the arrest of 50 suspects and recovery of 25 manhole covers, 3 vehicles, vandalised solar street lights, galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers, other tools used in vandalising these government installations, and several other exhibits at various panteka hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse.
“Investigations have revealed that these individuals operate as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers. This criminal activity endangers the lives of the general public by creating hazards on roads and walkways while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure. Below is a detailed breakdown of the suspects arrested and exhibits recovered:
“The suspects arrested; Bashir Usman, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sani Isah, Ibrahim Hassan, Mustapha Hassan, Awal Nawan, Umar Aliyu, Auta Umar, Simon Clement, Datti Ibrahim, Mohammed Salim, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Ifeanyi-Chuckwu Emmanuel, Abba Ismail, Najib Abdul, Muhammed Lawal, Rabiu Ibrahim, Adamu Suleiman, Abdulkarim Abdullahi, Haruna Nasiru, Abdul Nai’ja, Josua Steven, Livinus Steven, Ismail Abdullahi, Munir Sada.
“Others are: Ibrahim Yahaya, Yahaya Musa, Dahiru Nasiru, Abdullahi Muhammed, Monday Barnabas, Hamisu Iman, Promise Abanonum, Ehieze Emeka, Ehieze Justice, Mohammed Inusa, Tijanni Suleiman, Promise James, Haruna Auwalu, Ayuba Danjuma, Suleiman Abu, Nafiu Ahmmed, Kamalu Junaidu, Zaradeen Yakubu, Abdulhadi Adam, Mohammed Ibrahim, Chukwu Emmanuel, Douglas Yahaya, Mohammed Lawal, Auwal Musa and Abubakar Kabiru.
“Exhibits recovered: Twenty-five galvanized manhole covers; Five (5) solar street lights; Several galvanized poles used in the construction of flyovers; Fifteen 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 tubes of triple sub glue; Several charms; Thirteen large solar panels; Seven barrels of diesel suspected to have been stolen from network masts; One Volkswagen sporter bus with Reg. No. BJK 592 XA reconstructed into a diesel tanker.
“Also one Toyota Carina II vehicle with Reg. No. RBC 312 JL Several iron rebar rods; Nine car tire rims; One fire extinguisher; Eleven plasma TV sets; Several decoders and remotes; Thirteen cement bags; Two reinforced iron doors;Three pumping machines suspected to be used in extracting diesel; Two car batteries; One photo frame; One pack of tiles; Sixteen plastic chairs; Three generators; One aluminum ladder; One wheel barrow; One roll of roofing sheets; Two gas cylinders; One indoor and outdoor AC Unit; sumo water pumpspump and Several iron cutting tools.
“The diversity and volume of recovered items highlight the extensive and organised nature of these syndicates, whose activities have caused significant harm to public infrastructure projects and services in the FCT.”
“I want to emphasise that the FCT Police command and our sister security agencies operate a zero-tolerance policy toward acts of vandalism and theft that undermine public infrastructure and safety. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the critical infrastructure of the Federal Capital Territory. We will continue to ensure that all those responsible for these criminal acts are brought to justice,” the CP added.