In a decisive move against urban vandalism, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have dismantled a syndicate responsible for large-scale theft and destruction of public infrastructure in Abuja.
Fifty suspects were arrested, and millions of naira worth of stolen manhole covers, solar panels, and high-voltage cables were recovered in what authorities have tagged one of the largest crackdowns on infrastructure theft in recent times.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, while parading the suspects, revealed that the arrests followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The operation targeted hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse, where thieves had turned public spaces into crime zones.
Recovered items include 25 manhole covers, three vehicles, vandalized solar streetlights, galvanised rods, high-voltage Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) cables, and seven barrels of diesel stolen from telecom masts.
The police also recovered two locally-made pistols, live cartridges, charms, and modified vehicles, one reconstructed into a diesel tanker used in transporting stolen goods.
Investigations revealed the suspects operate as part of an organized network, funnelling stolen items to scrap dealers and industrial buyers.
Describing the syndicate’s activities as a major threat to public safety, Commissioner Disu emphasized the hazards posed by open manholes and damaged streetlights, which endanger motorists and pedestrians.
“This operation highlights our zero-tolerance policy against vandalism and theft that compromise public safety and development,” Disu said. “We are committed to prosecuting all involved and shutting down these criminal networks permanently.”
In a related development, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has identified an iron smelting company as one of the buyers of the stolen manhole covers.
According to Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, exhibits recovered from the company are now in police custody as investigations continue.
Olayinka stated that suspects in custody are providing critical information about buyers and middlemen involved in the illegal trade.
He assured the public that authorities would pursue all leads to dismantle the supply chain enabling such crimes.
Reacting to the arrests, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, ordered the immediate replacement of vandalized manhole covers across affected areas. Expressing outrage over the hazards caused by the thefts, as he pledged full support for law enforcement efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
“We will not tolerate activities that jeopardize public safety or hinder the development of our capital city,” Wike said.
While authorities celebrate the breakthrough, the incident has reignited calls for stricter regulations on scrap metal businesses and improved surveillance systems to protect public infrastructure. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as efforts to safeguard Abuja’s public assets continue.