Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five individuals in connection with acts of vandalism at two separate locations within Abuja's city center. The arrests were made during routine patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing the theft and destruction of critical infrastructure.
The first group of suspects, Suleiman Ibrahim, 17, and Abubakar Zakari, 22, both from Kano State, were apprehended near Wuse Market Bridge. Officers from the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) department of the NSCDC caught them in possession of iron poles allegedly stolen from the Arts and Culture Complex in Area 10, Garki, Abuja. The two suspects had been under surveillance and were reportedly en route to sell the stolen materials to known buyers. The authorities revealed that the suspects have since provided useful information, which may lead to further arrests of the buyers involved in the illicit trade.
In a separate operation, three additional suspects were taken into custody in the Durumi 2 area, a notorious hub for illegal dealings, including the sale of stolen goods. Acting on a tip-off, the NSCDC's anti-vandalism unit moved in to apprehend Aliyu Danladi, 37, from Kano State, Jamilu Abdulrahaman, 25, from Zamfara State, and Usman Ibrahim, 38, from Sokoto State. They were arrested around midnight while allegedly attempting to transport vandalized items to be sold.
A wide array of suspected stolen goods was recovered during the operation. Among the items seized were three electronic billboards, two solar batteries, a gas cylinder, a generator set, a refrigerator gas cylinder, iron tools, an air conditioner gas pipe, two iron pinches, a machete, two plastic drums, and an Abuja vehicle license plate. Authorities believe the suspects are part of a larger syndicate that targets critical infrastructure and household items for resale. Buyers are said to frequent the area during odd hours, using trucks to transport the goods to undisclosed locations.
In response to the arrests, FCT NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, emphasized the need for stronger regulation of so-called "pantaker" markets, which have gained notoriety as outlets for stolen and vandalized goods. According to Odumosu, these markets serve as distribution points for items pilfered from public and private properties, including railway tracks, road infrastructure, and electrical installations.
“If we must rid the FCT of scavengers and vandals who are sabotaging the government’s efforts on infrastructural development, there is an urgent need to regulate pantaker markets in the Federal Capital Territory,” Odumosu stated.
He further expressed concern over the growing involvement of these markets in illicit transactions, warning that their existence threatens public safety and the region’s development.
The FCT Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards vandalism, vowing that thorough investigations will be conducted to ensure that all perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The case is ongoing as authorities work to dismantle the syndicates operating in the capital city.