From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
As protests rage on in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has arrested 12 suspected vandals in different parts of Abuja.
According to a statement, three of the suspects were caught attempting to vandalise infrastructure at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, after scaling the facility’s fence, while other accomplices fled upon sighting officers of the command.
In Jabi, four suspects were arrested for attempting to vandalise streetlights by the command while on routine patrol.
One scavenger, otherwise known as *baban bola*, was apprehended atop the newly-commissioned Wuye Bridge for wandering and suspected vandalism around 3:30 am. He could not provide an explanation for his suspicious movement at such an hour.
The FCT Commandant warned all miscreants and mischief-makers to stay clear of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), stating that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
“Vandalism is a threat to our socio-economic well-being. It causes retrogression in society, and we will do all within our power as an agency to ensure that any act inimical to our collective growth and development is nipped in the bud,” the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said.
The commandant appealed to residents of the FCT to always alert the NSCDC whenever anyone is seen attempting acts of vandalism, as every Nigerian is a stakeholder in the protection of CNAI.
The NSCDC FCT boss again appealed to youths in the capital city to embrace dialogue as a civilised way to address grievances.
Destroying public property, he noted, does more harm than good to the public.
The commandant, who has been involved in monitoring the security situation in the FCT since the commencement of the protests, admonished residents to go about their businesses without fear, as their safety is guaranteed.
Days ahead of the protests, the command had deployed over 5,000 personnel to comb the city to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
The personnel were expected to cover all nooks and crannies of the FCT, including all the area councils.
The commandant warned anyone planning to attack public utilities in the territory to have a change of plan or face the full wrath of the law.