NSCDC Arrests 16 Suspects for Vandalism, Theft, Illegal Mining in Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested sixteen suspects in connection with acts of vandalism, theft, and illegal mining across various locations in Abuja.
The arrests, carried out by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Tactical Squad of the Command, followed a 24-hour surveillance operation as part of efforts to protect key infrastructure within the FCT.
According to a press statement issued on Friday, July 4, 2025, and signed by DSC Monica Ojobi, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Command, the suspects were apprehended during late-night operations while allegedly attempting to vandalize armoured cables, galvanized pipes, telecommunication equipment, and other household items.
Among those arrested were Mubarak Barau (29), John Yakubu (24), and Shamsudeen Usman (25), who were caught in the Central Area with stolen items from the National Agricultural Development Fund. Items recovered from them included eight rolls of armoured cables, an LG outdoor air conditioner, a sound speaker, two plastic chairs, two bags filled with electrical cables, a travelling bag, and a saw.
Another group, comprising Danjuma Jerome (25), Maah Ishiaka (28), and Shefiu Muktar (30), was arrested at Brains and Hammers Estate, Apo Dutse, near ShopRite, for allegedly stealing 16mm electrical wires and for criminal conspiracy.
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In Jahi District, four more suspects — Stephen Istifanus (43), Yakubu Thankgod (25), Danladi Samson (29), and Barnabas Sobok (37) — were nabbed for vandalizing and stealing galvanized pipes, also under suspicion of conspiracy.
Furthermore, one Saidu Shuibu (43) was arrested in Idu, Abuja, for illegal mining activities around Kallada by Cocoa.
In Kukwaba, Idu area, the NSCDC apprehended another group of five individuals — Phahat Abba (20), Usman Adama (24), Ali Shefiu (33), Adamu Shuibu (20), and Yakubu Abubakar (21) — for engaging in illegal mining and sand dredging operations.
Items recovered from the suspects across the various arrests include black armoured cables, three shovels, seven diggers, a knife, pincers, transformer fuses, a ring boiler, and additional electrical cables.
Speaking on the development, FCT Commandant Dr. Olusola Odumosu emphasized the Command’s zero tolerance for vandalism and infrastructure sabotage in the capital territory.
“These assets are not just for aesthetics; they are critical to the functionality and well-being of residents in the FCT. We are committed to their protection, and criminal elements must be warned — sabotage of government efforts will be met with the full weight of the law,” he said.
Dr. Odumosu also called on residents of the FCT to support the Corps with credible intelligence to aid in securing lives and critical national infrastructure.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution following the conclusion of investigations.
