
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has accused Abuja Steel Company, an iron smelting firm, of being involved in receiving stolen manhole covers from highways across Nigeria’s capital.
According to Chronicles Reporters, security operatives recently apprehended individuals suspected of stealing sewage manhole covers in Abuja. In a statement released on Sunday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, disclosed that efforts were underway to track down collaborators, particularly those purchasing the stolen covers.
In an update on Monday, Olayinka alleged that the recycling company located along the Abuja–Kaduna Road was a receiver of stolen materials. He confirmed that items of interest had been recovered from the company and are now in police custody. “Abuja Steel Company has been identified as one of the alleged receivers of the stolen manhole covers,” Olayinka stated.
He further revealed that investigations are ongoing to determine the company’s involvement, as well as the roles of other potential buyers, in the theft, purchase, and melting of manhole covers.
Olayinka recalled that the arrests and recoveries were initially announced on Sunday, following coordinated efforts by the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). “The suspects are providing security agencies with valuable information about the buyers of the vandalized infrastructure,” he added.
In response to the thefts, the FCT Minister directed the immediate replacement of the stolen manhole covers. According to the statement, the replacements commenced on Monday.
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