The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested two suspected vandals of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, high-tension cables in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
In a statement signed by DSC Monica Ojobi FCT Command NSCDC PRO reveals that, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Vandal Unit at the Kwali Division following intelligence report from members of a vigilante group who alerted the Division of suspicious activities.
The suspects are Mustapha Yusuf, 40, from Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and Usman Mohammed, 50, from Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the Command, Mustapha Yusuf confessed during interrogation that they operated as a three-man gang, with two other members currently at large.
He said he intended to sell the vandalized cables to a buyer in Gwagwalada and admitted to having participated in three previous vandalism operations.
He further said the cables are usually measured on a scale and that his boss, who is at large, pays him between four and five thousand naira after each operation.
The second suspect, Mohammed Usman, who claimed to be a professional driver, confessed that he vandalized the cables with an accomplice identified as Biyu, with cover allegedly provided by a security officer serving in Gwagwalada. He disclosed that he sells the stolen cables for fifty thousand naira and that he had carried out three successful operations before being arrested during the fourth.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were operating as members of a syndicate involved in cable vandalism within and outside the FCT, working for an individual identified as Titus, who is currently at large.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include four rolls of high-tension electric cables.
The Command said investigation is ongoing to track the principal suspect and other members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, PhD, has reiterated the Corps’ zero tolerance for vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.
He described the act as economic sabotage that has thrown residents of Kwali Area Council into darkness.
Odumosu directed Intelligence and Critical National Assets operatives to launch a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, assuring that they will be arrested and prosecuted when found culpable.
He also urged FCT residents to provide timely intelligence to help curb vandalism.
