The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested five individuals suspected of vandalism in separate operations across Abuja
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Samuel Idoko, on Wednesday, two of the suspects, Suleiman Ibrahim (17) and Abubakar Zakari (22), both from Kano State, were caught by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department during a routine patrol near the Wuse Market Bridge.
According to the NSCDC, the duo was found in possession of iron poles they had allegedly stolen from the Arts and Culture Complex in Area 10, Garki.
The suspects were reportedly transporting the poles to buyers when they were intercepted.
A second operation, carried out by the anti-vandal unit of the NSCDC, resulted in the arrest of three more suspects at the Durumi 2 market.
Acting on a tip-off, operatives detained Aliyu Danladi (37), Jamilu Abdulrahaman (25), and Usman Ibrahim (38) while they were attempting to sell stolen items.
During the arrests, several items suspected to have been vandalised or stolen were recovered.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in the theft and sale of vandalised public infrastructure and household items.
The NSCDC revealed that buyers typically visit the markets at odd hours, using trucks to transport the stolen goods to unknown destinations.
Speaking on the issue, the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, called for the regulation of pantaker markets, which he described as hotspots for criminal activities.
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