As part of efforts to fulfill the mandates of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prevent vandalism and protect critical national assets and infrastructure, the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has arrested two (2) vandals of railway infrastructure and eleven (11) illegal miners.
The two railway vandals were arrested by the operatives of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Unit of the command for willfully vandalizing rail tracks and traffic lights in Wuye District of the territory.
In the same vein, the command in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, arrested eleven (11) suspects involved in illegal mining activities at Izom, a community located at the boundary of the FCT and Niger State.
Parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters, Abuja, the FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu said that the proactive measures taken by the command would serve as a deterrent to other criminals within the territory.
“Our effort is geared towards combating various forms of criminality, particularly vandalism of critical national assets and other public infrastructure, illegal mining activities, and among others within the FCT.
“We will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for vandalism, and there is no plan to retreat on this mission as they must all be brought to book.
“I have vowed that there is no hiding place for evil perpetrators, so in this vein, active efforts are underway to apprehend their masterminds who are still at large,” Odumosu warned.
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About the NSCDC
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is a paramilitary institution in Nigeria.
Its primary function is to protect lives and properties. One of the crucial functions of the corps is to protect pipelines from vandalism. The agency is also involved in crisis resolutions.
Economic Sabotage
The FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu reiterated that economic sabotage through illegal exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources not only poses serious threats to the ecosystem and the well-being of the host communities, but the nation also loses billions of naira to these illegal operators.
The apprehended suspects are being investigated and would be subsequently charged to court as they are currently assisting with useful information that would determine their level of culpability or affiliation with other criminal syndicates notorious for illegal mining operations within the FCT.
The commandant used the occasion to warn vandals of critical national assets, such as the railways; illegal miners; ‘one-chance’ syndicates; scavengers; and kidnappers.
“Such criminal activities will not be tolerated within the FCT jurisdiction again.
“We remain committed and dedicated to ridding the FCT of criminalities, and we are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals or groups engaged in criminal activities, that undermine the safety and prosperity of the citizens,” the commandant assured.
