• Thu. Feb 13th, 2025

FCT Police Arrest 31 Vandals, Recover Stolen Infrastructure Worth Over ₦1 Billion

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 31 suspects and recovered stolen public infrastructure valued at over ₦1 billion in a major crackdown on vandalism and theft across Abuja.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, highlighted the significant progress made in combating the menace, which has disrupted essential services and threatened public safety. He commended the joint efforts of security agencies in tackling the issue.

To curb the rising cases of infrastructure vandalism, the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, convened a high-level security meeting on January 13, 2025, with heads of security agencies. A key outcome of the meeting was a directive ordering the immediate two-week closure of all scrap yards, commonly known as Pantaker markets, across the FCT to dismantle black-market networks involved in selling stolen public assets.

Following the minister’s directive, the FCT Police Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, launched “Operation Sweep,” a large-scale enforcement action targeting the illegal destruction and sale of public infrastructure. The multi-agency task force included the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Abuja Development Control (ADC).

The operation, which commenced on January 16, 2025, saw security operatives conducting coordinated raids on major Pantaker markets in Dei-Dei, Kabusa, Zuba, Mpape, Jabi, and Nyanya. The crackdown led to the demolition of illegal shanties and the evacuation of suspected vandals.

During the raids, security operatives recovered 115 units of stolen manhole and drainage covers, bundles of armoured and insulated cables, industrial solar batteries and panels, cut-to-size electric transformers and generators, large quantities of fiber optic cables and copper wires, fake vehicle chassis numbers and unverifiable documents, water board underground pipes and iron rods, security doors, sacks of cement, three motorcycles, and power generators.

Officials from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) confirmed that some of the recovered electrical components were stolen from multiple power stations across the FCT, causing prolonged blackouts in areas such as Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, and Karu.

A total of 31 suspects were arrested, with 16 already charged to court for criminal conspiracy, mischief, and possession of stolen public property under Section 332 of the Penal Code. The charges carry a potential life imprisonment sentence, a fine, or both.

To prevent further occurrences, the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) has ordered all Pantaker market operators to register and undergo profiling at its Wuse Zone 6 office on February 5, 2025. Additionally, a strict ban on scavengers, locally known as ‘Baban Bola,’ has been imposed across the FCT metropolis.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, warned that business owners found dealing in stolen public infrastructure would face immediate prosecution and business closure. He assured residents that Operation Sweep would continue indefinitely, with regular spot-checks and enforcement actions across the city.

“The message is clear—there is no hiding place for criminals within the FCT. We urge residents to see public infrastructure as a collective asset and report any suspicious activities to security agencies,” Disu stated.

The crackdown on infrastructure vandalism remains a top priority for security agencies in Abuja, ensuring that public amenities are protected for the benefit of all residents.

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor is a seasoned journalist and the CEO/Founder Belch Digital Communications, publishers of Hybrid News Nigeria.

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