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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has arrested four persons for allegedly vandalising and stealing electrical and armored cables in Abuja.
NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, briefed newsmen of their arrests on Wednesday in Abuja.
Odumosu said that the suspects were arrested separately in Kubwa, Abaji and Kwali areas of the FCT.
He added that the male suspects were apprehended by FCT NSCDC operatives following credible intelligence reports by well meaning Nigerians.
The commandant explained that one of male suspects, aged 44, was arrested in Abaji for unlawfully being in possession of high-tension aluminium conductor cables allegedly belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
He said that the suspect confessed that the cables were brought to him by two suspects who are at large; to safeguard them pending their sale to prospective buyers.
]“Both suspects are currently at large but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them as well as identify other persons connected with the alleged criminal activity.
“He was subsequently granted administrative bail to enable him to produce a credible surety as investigation continues.
“Exhibits recovered were; bundles of high-tension aluminium conductor cables,” Odumosu said.
Odumosu said that in another operation, two alleged male vandals, both 27 years old were arrested for alleged vandalism and unlawful possession of electrical cables stolen around Government Secondary School, Kubwa, popularly known as “Black and White”.
He further said that one of the suspects was apprehended following intelligence reports by some commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists of suspicious criminal activities around the school premises.
The command helmsman said that based on the information, operatives swung into action, which led to the recovery of approximately 38 rolls of electrical installation cables, cutted pieces of power cables concealed in a large sack.
“A pair of pliers, a screwdriver and other items suspected to have been used in the alleged operation.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that he got access into the school in the evening through the gate before cutting the school’s wires till about 12 a.m.
“He was apprehended while trying to climb the fence with the exhibit in an attempt to escape with the intent of selling the items,” the commandant said.
The commandant explained that during interrogation, the suspect stated that he had already contacted an alleged buyer, who made an advance payment of N35,000.
“Following intelligence tactics we were able to apprehend the alleged buyer,” he said.
He however said that both suspects confessed to have been in the illegal act/business since 2024.
In a similar operation, the command, alerted by members of a local vigilante group, successfully arrested a suspect at Berger Roundabout, along the Wuye axis, for allegedly excavating and stealing armoured cable.
Odumosu revealed that recovered from the suspect at the crime scene were armored cables and a digger.
“The suspect alleged that he was acting alongside two other individuals who reportedly escaped during the arrest operation.
“The suspect was detained and subsequently granted administrative bail,” Odumosu said.
He reiterated that the NSCDC FCT Command will continue to intensify efforts to protect all vital Critical Assets and infrastructure within the FCT.
(NAN)
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