The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, FCT Command, has apprehended 51 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities and 3 individuals suspected of vandalizing telecommunication masts within the territory.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu while briefing newsmen, Monday, said the three vandalism suspects were apprehended by his men of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit, following a tip-off of the dismantling activity at the Giri area by the FCT Command intelligence and undercover operatives
He declared that before the decommissioning of any mast, approval for such an act must be obtained from the NSCDC being the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure in the country..
Odumosu said the suspects during interrogation by the Command’s Anti-vandal Unit, were unable to show approval from the Corps.
“Neither do they have any proper means of identification showing who they are and the company they are working for.
“Upon further questioning, they revealed that a certain businessman had already been paid the sum of N4 million ahead for the dismantling which raised suspicion of a premeditated act of vandalism.
“Ongoing investigation is being carried out to determine his level of culpability and ownership claim after which necessary action will be taken,” he said.
The Commandant disclosed that in a similar operation, 51 suspects were arrested in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT for engaging in illegal mining activities.
Odumosu explained that the suspects, all male, had been profiled and had no evidence of a registered company they were operating under as well as no exploration and mining licence.
“All acts of illegal mining encroach on the soil and cause environmental degradation and erosion and that is why most of these areas are no longer useful for agricultural and human activities,” Odumosu said.
He said that after thoroughly investigating both cases, the suspects would be charged to court for further disciplinary action that will serve as deterrence to others.
Exhibits recovered from the 54 suspects were dismantled metal mast parts and five pumping machines.
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“Un-quantified amount of substance alleged to be gold dust, pumping hoses, ten litres of fuel, shovels, diggers and head-pan.
“Henceforth, we will not relent to arrest any form of sabotage on the economy; the Federal Government is trying so hard to provide infrastructure to make life easy.
“And some miscreants in the name of vandalism and illegal mining are trying to destroy what has been provided.
“People are quick in condemning government but people like these are the ones destroying the efforts of the Federal Government,” the Commandant added.
The Command Head warned vandals and criminals in the FCT to relocate, stressing that, the NSCDC was out for them as there is no hiding place left for them in the territory.
