The Federal Capital Territory , FCT, Police Command has arrested 50 suspects involved in the theft and vandalism of manhole covers and other public infrastructure.
The arrests were made during a series of targeted operations in high-crime areas across the FCT, including Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse.
The operation, which took place on January 6, 2025, led to the recovery of 25 galvanized manhole covers, five solar street lights, and several other stolen items.
Police also seized vehicles, tools used in the vandalism, and other materials believed to have been stolen and sold on the black market.
The police operation is part of an ongoing effort to combat the growing threat of infrastructure vandalism in the territory.
The following 50 suspects were arrested in connection with the crimes:
1. Bashir Usman
2. Shaibu Ibrahim
3. Sani Isah
4. Ibrahim Hassan
5. Mustapha Hassan
6. Awal Nawan
7. Umar Aliyu
8. Auta Umar
9. Simon Clement
10. Datti Ibrahim
11. Mohammed Salim
12. Ibrahim Ibrahim
13. Ifeanyi-Chuckwu Emmanuel
14. Abba Ismail
15. Najib Abdul
16. Muhammed Lawal
17. Rabiu Ibrahim
18. Adamu Suleiman
19. Abdulkarim Abdullahi
20. Haruna Nasiru
21. Abdul Nai’ja
22. Josua Steven
23. Livinus Steven
24. Ismail Abdullahi
25. Munir Sada
26. Ibrahim Yahaya
27. Yahaya Musa
28. Dahiru Nasiru
29. Abdullahi Muhammed
30. Monday Barnabas
31. Hamisu Iman
32. Promise Abanonum
33. Ehieze Emeka
34. Ehieze Justice
35. Mohammed Inusa
36. Tijanni Suleiman
37. Promise James
38. Haruna Auwalu
39. Ayuba Danjuma
40. Suleiman Abu
41. Nafiu Ahmmed
42. Kamalu Junaidu
43. Zaradeen Yakubu
44. Abdulhadi Adam
45. Mohammed Ibrahim
46. Chukwu Emmanuel
47. Douglas Yahaya
48. Mohammed Lawal
49. Auwal Musa
50. Abubakar Kabiru
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The police recovered a large number of stolen items, including:
– 25 galvanized manhole covers
– 5 solar street lights
– Several galvanized poles used in flyover construction
– 15 street light poles cut into smaller pieces
– High-voltage AEDC cables
– Two locally made pistols
– Two live cartridges
– 1 sharp knife
– 30 tubes of triple sub glue
– 13 large solar panels
– 7 barrels of suspected stolen diesel
– 1 Volkswagen sporter bus (Reg. No. BJK 592 XA), reconstructed into a diesel tanker
– 1 Toyota Carina II (Reg. No. RBC 312 JL)
– Numerous rebar rods
– 9 car tire rims
– 11 plasma TVs
– Several decoders and remotes
– 13 bags of cement
– 2 reinforced iron doors
– 3 pumping machines suspected to be used for extracting diesel
– 2 car batteries
– 1 photo frame
– 1 pack of tiles
– 16 plastic chairs
– 3 generators
– 1 aluminum ladder
– 1 wheelbarrow
– 1 roll of roofing sheets
– 2 gas cylinders
– 1 indoor and outdoor AC unit
– 4 sumo water pumps
– Several iron cutting tools
The theft and vandalism of manhole covers and other public infrastructure have created serious safety hazards for both pedestrians and motorists.
Open manholes and the removal of solar street lights disrupt the safety and functionality of public spaces.
These criminal activities not only endanger lives but also cause damage to important public infrastructure.
In a statement made available to Credible News, the FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling vandalism and theft that compromise public safety, emphasizing its zero-tolerance approach to such criminal activities.
The Command emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward such criminal activities, stating that all arrested individuals will face prosecution.
“We are determined to ensure the safety of lives and property within the FCT. The recovery of these stolen items is part of our ongoing efforts to address infrastructure theft and safeguard public resources,” said a police spokesperson.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent further vandalism.
The successful operation, which led to the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of stolen items, marks a significant step in the fight against infrastructure theft in the FCT.
The police have assured the public that they will continue to combat vandalism and prosecute those involved in these criminal activities.
Crediblenewsng.com
