The Tactical Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 16 individuals across various locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for offences including vandalism, theft, and illegal mining.
According to a statement released on Friday by Monica Ojobi, Acting Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC FCT Command, the arrests were made during separate operations carried out by the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) unit, which operates round-the-clock surveillance to protect public infrastructure.
The suspects were apprehended during late-night patrols while attempting to steal items such as armoured cables, galvanized pipes, telecommunications equipment, and other valuables.
In one incident, three individuals—Mubarak Barau (29), John Yakubu (24), and Shamsudeen Usman (25)—were caught in the Central Area with stolen items from the National Agricultural Development Fund. Recovered items included eight rolls of armoured cables, an LG outdoor air conditioning unit, a sound speaker, two plastic chairs, two bags of electrical cables, a travelling bag filled with clothes, and a saw.
Elsewhere, at Brains and Hammers Estate in Apo Dutse near ShopRite, three more suspects—Danjuma Jerome (25), Maah Ishiaka (28), and Shefiu Muktar (30)—were arrested for stealing 16 mm electrical wires and engaging in criminal conspiracy.
In the Jahi District, four men—Stephen Istifanus (43), Yakubu Thankgod (25), Danladi Samson (29), and Barnabas Sobok (37)—were apprehended for vandalizing infrastructure and stealing galvanized pipes.
At Kallada by Cocoa, Idu, 43-year-old Saidu Shuibu was arrested for illegal mining activities.
Meanwhile, five more individuals—Phahat Abba (20), Usman Adama (24), Ali Shefiu (33), Adamu Shuibu (20), and Yakubu Abubakar (21)—were nabbed at Kukwaba, Idu, for illegal mining and sand dredging. Items recovered from them included black armoured cables, shovels, diggers, a knife, pincers, transformer fuses, a ring boiler, and electrical cables.
Commenting on the operations, FCT NSCDC Commandant Dr. Olusola Odumosu reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure within the capital.
“These assets are not for aesthetics—they are vital to improving the quality of life for FCT residents. We are here to ensure their protection,” Odumosu stated.
He warned those involved in criminal activities to desist, noting that the Corps will not be lenient with offenders. He also urged residents to support the NSCDC with credible and timely information to help combat vandalism and related crimes.
