Between January and March, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has detained 111 individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities.
During an interview with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Commandant Olusola Odumosu revealed that nine suspects were apprehended for damaging public infrastructure while 102 were taken into custody for engaging in illegal mining.
Odumosu mentioned that the suspects have been brought before the court, with some already convicted, while others have either been granted bail or are still undergoing investigation.
Additionally, he noted that one suspect was acquitted by the court.
Providing specific details about the cases, Odumosu stated that Munkalu Yakubu and 41 others are facing charges related to illegal gold mining in Kwali Area Council’s Dai village.
He also mentioned cases involving Ibrahim Talasne and 52 others for illegal gold mining and Saidu Ismail and six others for mining precious stones at CITEC area in Idu.
The Commandant further reported arrests made for vandalism of public infrastructure.
Yakubu Mati was apprehended for tampering with armored cables at a metro railway station in Idu, while Anthong Batoulumen and three others were caught vandalizing cables at Mabushi.
Other arrests included Obadiah Ezekiel for damaging a shop at Games Village and Wodi Sunday, Habib Mohammed, and Jibirin Idris for theft and destruction of telecommunication assets.
Recovered exhibits from the suspects comprised a decommissioned telecommunication mast, pumping machine, armored cables, fuel containers, and gold substances.
Additionally, the command’s intelligence unit detained seven individuals for allegedly manufacturing illegal firearms.
Odumosu emphasized the consequences of vandalizing critical national assets and infrastructure, warning that culprits would be subject to legal repercussions.
He assured residents of intensified efforts by civil defence personnel to enhance safety in the FCT and make it challenging for criminals to operate.
Odumosu urged individuals to remain vigilant in their surroundings and promptly report any suspicious activities to security organizations.