The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended 50 suspects in connection with the vandalism and theft of sewage manhole covers and other public infrastructure in Abuja.
The FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, noting that the arrests were made during targeted operations at notorious “panteka” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse.
“Our operatives conducted a targeted operation, leading to the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of 25 manhole covers, three vehicles, vandalized solar streetlights, galvanized rods, and other tools used in destroying government installations,” Disu stated.
Items recovered from the suspects include galvanized poles used for flyovers, solar panels, rolls of high-voltage cables, generators, barrels of diesel suspected to be stolen, and other infrastructure materials.
Disu revealed that the suspects were part of an organized syndicate that sells stolen items to scrap dealers.
He emphasized that their activities pose significant risks to public safety by creating hazards on roads and undermining critical infrastructure.
“This criminal activity endangers the lives of the general public by creating hazards on roads and walkways while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure. The diversity and volume of recovered items highlight the extensive and organized nature of these syndicates,” he added.
The police also recovered weapons, including locally made pistols and live cartridges, alongside other tools used in their operations.
Some of the suspects include Bashir Usman, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sani Isah, and 47 others. Items seized during the operation include:
25 galvanized manhole covers
Five solar streetlights
Several galvanized poles and flyover rods
High-voltage AEDC cables
Diesel barrels
Plasma TVs and decoders
Generators and other equipment
Commissioner Disu assured the public that the FCT Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring justice.
“This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the critical infrastructure of the Federal Capital Territory. We will continue to dismantle such criminal enclaves and bring all those responsible to justice,” he said.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution following further investigations.
