The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command has apprehended four suspected vandals and recovered an AK47 rifle.
The arrest was contained in a statement signed by the FCT Command spokesperson, Samuel Idoko, on Thursday.
According to the statement, the arrests were made in the Dabi Bako area of Kwali Area Council, Abuja, where NSCDC’s anti-vandal team intercepted an individual in the act of vandalising armoured cables at the National Mathematical Centre.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command arrested four suspected vandals in the Dabi Bako area of the Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
“The arrest was made during a routine patrol of the anti-vandal team of the Command where one of the suspects was caught vandalising armoured cables at the National Mathematical Centre, small Sheda, Kwali, kwali Area council, Abuja,” the statement read in part.
Following the arrest of the initial suspect, further interrogations led to the apprehension of three accomplices.
The suspects identified as Amodu Lawal (20 years, Katsina State), Zaki Idris (32 years, Kano State), Suleiman Yunusa (25 years, Kano State), and Isa Abdulrazak (38 years, Kano State), were found in possession of stolen cables intended for the market.
Also, in the Abaji Area Council, NSCDC’s Anti-Vandal unit discovered an AK47 rifle without its magazine hidden in a farm during a routine patrol.
The vigilant farm owner, upon discovering the firearm, promptly alerted NSCDC officials, facilitating its safe recovery and subsequent investigation to determine its origin and ownership.
The Commandant for NSCDC FCT, Olusola Odumosu, commended the anti-vandal team for their swift action and dedication to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety.
He emphasised the importance of citizen collaboration in maintaining security, praising the farm owner for his prompt reporting of the rifle discovery and discouraging illicit activities.
The Commandant reaffirmed NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, promising continued efforts to combat vandalism and apprehend criminal elements endangering public utilities.
“We want to assure all residents of the FCT that we will not rest on our oars, we are determined to keep you safe and ensure the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT,” the commandant said.
FCT residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local security agencies to bolster community safety and prevent criminal incidents.
The FCT Command for the NSCDC has arrested 111 suspected criminals between January and March 2024.