NSCDC nabs 12 for vandalism in FCT

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Federal has arrested 12 individuals suspected of vandalising critical infrastructure amid the ongoing nationwide hunger protest.

The arrests took place across various locations in Abuja, according to a statement signed by the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command Spokesperson, Samuel Idoko, on Wednesday.

The suspects were arrested between August 5, and, 7,
2024.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command has apprehended 12 suspected vandals in different parts of Abuja during the Nationwide hunger protest.

“The suspects were arrested between Monday, 5th and Wednesday, 7th August 2024,” the statement read in part.

“Three suspects were apprehended while attempting to damage infrastructure at the Moshood Abiola Stadium. They were caught scaling the facility’s fence, while others fled upon noticing the approaching officers.

“In the Jabi area, four individuals were detained for trying to vandalise street lights.

“The arrests were made during the Command’s vigilant routine patrols during the protest.

“Additionally, a scavenger, identified as Baban-bola, was picked up at about 3:30 a.m. on the newly commissioned Wuye bridge in Mabushi.

“He was detained for wandering and suspected vandalism after failing to explain his suspicious presence at such an hour.

“Based on intelligence from undercover operatives, four more suspects were arrested in Kuje while vandalizing an electrical installation.”

The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, emphasised that anyone caught vandalising government property would face severe legal consequences.

“Vandalism is a threat to our socio-economic well-being; it causes retrogression in the society, and we will do all within our power as an agency to ensure that any act inimical to our collective growth and development is nipped in the bud,” he stated.

The FCT Commandant called on residents to report any suspicious activity related to vandalism, underscoring that safeguarding critical national assets is a shared responsibility.

He also urged the youths in Abuja to engage in dialogue rather than resort to the destruction of public property, which he argued causes more harm than good to the public.

The nationwide protest, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, was in response to the hardship experienced by citizens in the country.

Several major highways were blocked, exacerbating the situation.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which gained momentum in major cities such as Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, were marked by escalating violence.

In some instances, security officials’ actions were the catalyst for the violence, while in other cases, it has been driven by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.