NSCDC Arrests 16 for Vandalism, Illegal Mining in Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested 16 individuals involved in alleged vandalism, theft, and illegal mining across Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSC Monica Ojobi, the arrests were made by the Tactical Squad of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department during late-night surveillance operations. These suspects, all male, were apprehended in various districts of the FCT while engaging in acts targeting public infrastructure.
In the Central Area, three individuals — Mubarak Barau (29), John Yakubu (24), and Shamsudeen Usman (25) — were caught with stolen items from the National Agricultural Development Fund, including eight rolls of armoured cables, an LG outdoor air conditioner, and bags of electrical wires.
At Apo Dutse’s Brains and Hammers Estate, Danjuma Jerome (25), Maah Ishiaka (28), and Shefiu Muktar (30) were arrested for theft and criminal conspiracy involving 16mm electrical wires.
In Jahi District, four more suspects — Stephen Istifanus (43), Yakubu Thankgod (25), Danladi Samson (29), and Barnabas Sobok (37) — were caught in the act of vandalizing galvanized pipes.
Elsewhere in Idu, Saidu Shuibu (43) was arrested for illegal mining, while in Kukwaba, five individuals — Phahat Abba (20), Usman Adama (24), Ali Shefiu (33), Adamu Shuibu (20), and Yakubu Abubakar (21) — were nabbed for illegal mining and sand dredging.
Items recovered included black armoured cables, transformer fuses, shovels, diggers, electrical tools, and a ring boiler.
FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, condemned the actions of the suspects, calling them “enemies of progress,” and stressed that public infrastructure must be safeguarded.
“These assets are not decorative; they are vital for improving the quality of life for residents. Their protection is non-negotiable,” he said.
He reiterated the NSCDC’s resolve to secure critical infrastructure and warned criminals to steer clear of sabotage or face legal consequences.
Dr. Odumosu also urged FCT residents to support the Corps by reporting suspicious activities and offering credible intelligence to enhance security across the territory.
