The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command says it has arrested 14 persons for alleged illegal mining activities and vandalism of Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI).
This is contained in a statement by the command’s Spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, on Monday in Abuja.
Ojobi said that the arrest was made by the command’s CNAI Tactical Squad during the Sallah holidays patrol and surveillance operation within the city and its suburbs.
She said that two of the suspects, aged 30 and 27, were nabbed while vandalising road crash barriers along Utako-Jabi road.
She also said that two 22 years old male suspects were arrested for digging out armoured cables at Zone 3 and GSM village in zone 1 area.
She added that other suspects include some elderly women, men and minors.
According to her, some of the suspects were arrested for illegal mining activities in Gwagwalada area of the FCT.
Ojobi said that the suspects had been handed over to the intelligence and investigation unit of the command for further investigation and possible prosecution if found culpable.
She quoted the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, as expressing displeasure over the illegal acts perpetrated by the suspects.
Odumosu said that it was disappointing that criminals remained unrepentant in spite of efforts put in place by the corps to curb vandalism.
“Since these criminals have sworn not to desist from crime, we too are ready to go all out for them.
“They thought they can use the Sallah period to vandalise critical assets of our nation, but one thing they forgot is that the NSCDC has no holidays.
“We are not resting on our oars, we are determined as ever to protect the assets of government under our purview, and not reneging on our promise to protect both lives and property in the FCT,” he said.
He warned those with criminal intentions to desist or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
The commandant urged all FCT residents to have faith in security agencies who risk their lives to ensure safety.
Odumosu also called on residents to report any suspicious crime or criminal to the nearest security outpost or call the NSCDC FCT command contact numbers: 09166229882 or 08159066244.
