The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in combating vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, with the arrest of 50 suspects involved in the vandalism and theft of manhole covers and other critical public assets.
During a press briefing on Monday, the Command announced that a targeted operation was conducted at various hotspots, including Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 25 galvanized manhole covers, three vehicles, vandalized solar streetlights, galvanized rods from flyovers, and other tools and items linked to the crimes.
The extensive list of recovered items underscores the organized and destructive nature of these syndicates. Among the items seized were:
25 galvanized manhole covers
15 streetlight poles cut into smaller pieces
5 solar streetlights
13 large solar panels
Several high-voltage AEDC cables
7 barrels of diesel suspected to have been stolen from network masts
3 generators, 2 locally made pistols, and 2 gas cylinders
Multiple household items, including plasma TVs, decoders, and remotes
Other items include several rolls of roofing sheets, iron rebar rods, charms, and tools used in vandalizing public infrastructure. The Command also recovered vehicles used for transporting stolen items, including a Volkswagen Sporter bus reconstructed into a diesel tanker and a Toyota Carina II vehicle.
The police revealed that the suspects operate as part of a larger network that sells stolen manhole covers and other public assets to scrap dealers. This criminal activity not only damages infrastructure but also creates significant hazards on roads and walkways, endangering lives.
The FCT Police Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for acts of vandalism and theft that undermine public safety and infrastructure. Speaking during the briefing, the Command emphasized its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“This achievement underscores our unwavering resolve to protect the critical infrastructure of the Federal Capital Territory,” the Command stated. “We will continue to dismantle such criminal networks and safeguard the lives and property of FCT residents.”
The police also pledged continued collaboration with sister security agencies to prevent future occurrences of vandalism and other forms of criminality in the FCT.
The Command called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities. It assured the public of its dedication to maintaining law and order within the FCT.
This latest operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the FCT Police Command to tackle organized crime and protect public infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
LV