The spokesman of the corps, Olusola Odumosu, said in a statement on Monday that members of the criminal syndicate were arrested following credible information and surveillance mounted by the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation (DII) crack squad from the national headquarters of the corps with the support of other stakeholders.
“Recovered from the suspects are vandalised 5 inches galvanized pipes (5mm), angle irons and a hand saw which was used in carrying out the destruction.
“The arrested suspects are Abdullahi Bello, 18, Suleja LGA, Niger State; Julius David Madaki, 18, Sanga LGA, Kaduna State; Gambo Clement, 18, Sanga LGA, Kaduna State; Sadiq Abdullahi, 24, Billiri LGA, Gombe State and Abdulaziz Aliyu 25, Sanga LGA Kaduna State.
“It was uncovered that most of the suspects are artisans whose activities are domiciled around the crime scene which is located close to the headquarters of Federal Mortgage Bank, Central Business District, Abuja.
“A discreet investigation into the matter has commenced and would be followed by diligent prosecution of the suspects,” he said.
Daily Trust reports that the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, worried by the incessant vandalism and theft of manhole covers on roads in the FCT, directed operatives to redouble effort in ending the menace.
Odumosu said following this directive, officers and men of the corps immediately evolved new measures to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the country, adding that the move resulted in the arrest of the suspects who confessed to having carried out the act at night.
