Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command have arrested four suspected vandals over the alleged destruction and theft of public infrastructure, including drainage covers, solar street lights, armoured high-voltage electricity cables, and internet communication cables worth millions of naira.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the activities of the suspects have not only sabotaged the FCT economy but also exposed residents of the nation’s capital to significant safety risks.

According to him, the destruction and theft of government assets have contributed to road traffic accidents, injuries to pedestrians, rising incidents of street crime in poorly lit areas, and disruptions to electricity supply in several communities due to the theft of high-tension power cables.

The FCT Police boss told journalists that several exhibits were recovered during coordinated operations conducted across Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative Quarters, Lugbe, and Nyanya.

He identified the suspects as Godwin Aja, Mustapha Nasiru, Ibrahim Garba, Abdulrasheed Sale, and Dabarani Mujitafa.

The CP warned individuals involved in purchasing, receiving, or dealing in stolen public infrastructure to desist, stressing that the command has intensified efforts to dismantle the network behind the crimes.

“We have commenced extensive investigations and will not relent until every link in the supply, distribution, and disposal chain of these stolen public assets is identified and brought to justice,” Sanusi said.

The recovered vandalised items were subsequently handed over to the Director of Facility Maintenance of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA.