The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has foiled an attempted theft of critical national infrastructure with the interception of a truck fully loaded with suspected vandalised street light poles en route to Kano.
The arrest was made by operatives of the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Crack Team, who were on a 24-hour surveillance operation along the Jabi axis of Abuja.
According to a statement signed by Monica Ojobi, FCT Command Public Relations Officer, during a routine patrol, the officers flagged down the suspicious vehicle, but the driver and his assistant (motor boy) fled the scene, abandoning the truck and its contents.
It noted that their sudden flight raised further suspicion, prompting the officers to impound the truck and tow it to the NSCDC FCT Command headquarters for further investigation.
Reacting to Olusola Odumosu, development, the FCT Commandant condemned the continued sabotage of public infrastructure by criminal elements.
He described such acts as a direct assault on the federal government’s efforts to provide essential services and amenities to residents of the nation’s capital.
Odumosu affirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical infrastructure in the FCT, noting that the renewed operational strategies in place would continue to expose and deter vandals, scavengers, and others attempting to undermine public investments.
He issued a stern warning to individuals and market operators, especially those involved in the sale and purchase of scrap materials, to steer clear of stolen or vandalised government property.
He cautioned leaders of panter markets across the FCT to adhere strictly to existing regulatory guidelines.
“When there is no demand, there can’t be any supply. We are closely monitoring the black markets, and anyone found dealing in vandalized government property risks being shut down or prosecuted”, the Commandant emphasised.
He further appealed to motorists to drive responsibly and avoid damaging public infrastructure like street light poles, which are often knocked down due to reckless driving.
Odumosu warned that continued destruction of street lighting infrastructure could plunge parts of the city into darkness, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering lives, especially at night.
He called on residents to actively support the Corps in safeguarding public assets by reporting suspicious activity or acts of vandalism.
The public is encouraged to contact the NSCDC via its emergency lines: 09166229882 or 08159066244.
The Commandant disclosed that the case has been handed over to the Department of Intelligence and Investigations to trace the origins of the vandalised items and identify those responsible.
“A thorough investigation is underway, and anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
