The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended two individuals suspected of vandalizing railway infrastructure and eleven illegal miners.
The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps issued a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Command Spokesperson, Comfort Okomanyi.
The statement reported the arrest of two individuals engaged in the willful vandalism of rail tracks and traffic lights in the Wuye Area of the territory by Operatives of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit. Additionally, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the command arrested 11 suspects involved in illegal mining activities at Izom, a community located at the boundary of FCT and Niger State.
The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, highlighted the proactive measures taken by the command, emphasizing that these actions would serve as a deterrent to other criminals within the territory.
Odumosu stated “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 to 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.”
He emphasized that engaging in economic sabotage through the illicit exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources not only poses significant threats to the ecosystem but also results in the country losing billions of naira to unauthorized operators.
The Commandant also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the vandalism of critical national assets, one chance syndicate, scavengers, and kidnappers, asserting that such criminal activities would no longer be tolerated within the FCT jurisdiction.
“We remain committed and dedicated to ridding 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.
The statement further stated that “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.”