The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command announced the arrest of 50 suspects involved in the theft and vandalism of manhole covers and other public infrastructure in Abuja.
The arrests occurred on Monday, following a targeted operation across various hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse. The police also recovered 25 manhole covers, three vehicles, several vandalized solar streetlights, galvanized rods used in constructing flyovers, and numerous tools associated with the illegal activities.
According to FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, the suspects were part of a larger network that sold the stolen items to scrap dealers. These criminal acts pose a significant risk to public safety by creating hazardous conditions on roads and walkways, while also damaging public infrastructure.
Disu provided a detailed list of the suspects arrested, including individuals such as Bashir Usman, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sani Isah, and many others. The recovered items were also disclosed, which included solar streetlights, diesel barrels, solar panels, various tools, and even stolen vehicles.
“The variety and scale of the recovered items indicate the organized nature of these syndicates, which have severely impacted public infrastructure in the FCT,” Disu said.
He emphasized that the FCT Police Command maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward vandalism and theft, underscoring the importance of safeguarding public assets. The police will continue their efforts to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
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Source: Chronicles Reporters