The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully intercepted a truck loaded with vandalized items during a night patrol operation. The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, November 16, 2024, near the Dei-Dei area of Abuja, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
NSCDC FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu revealed at a press conference on Tuesday that the patrol team flagged down the suspicious vehicle, which was lacking front and rear license plates, near the Aso Radio axis of the Kubwa Expressway. The truck, displaying an unusual registration number (TRN 318ZY KANO), attempted to evade the officers, prompting a high-speed chase that ended at the Dei-Dei U-turn, close to the Mobile Police Barracks.
Upon apprehending the truck, the driver and a co-driver fled the scene with the ignition key, leaving behind three other occupants who were promptly arrested. However, noticing the determination of the patrol team and the arrival of a towing vehicle, the driver and co-driver eventually surrendered. They were instructed to drive the truck to the NSCDC command for further investigation.
The suspects were identified as Aminu Yusuf (25), Saminu Yusuf (20), Adamu Sani (20), and Suleiman Yusuf (20), all from Bebeji Local Government Area in Kano State, alongside Usman Jalo (27) from Keffi Local Government Area in Nasarawa State. During preliminary investigations, they admitted to transporting the items from Gauta Junction in Nasarawa to a melting company in Sabo Wuse, Niger State.
Recovered items included various stolen materials such as drainage covers, communication mast accessories, bridge shoulder iron pipes, stainless steel pipe clamps, manhole covers, scaffold pipes, aluminum conductors, and barricades, as well as vandalized vehicle and motorcycle parts, household utensils, and wire mesh.
Commandant Odumosu reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure and vowed that due process would be followed to ensure justice. He issued a stern warning against vandals and scavengers, declaring a “total war” on criminal activities within the FCT.
“This area is now off-limits to criminals,” he stated, urging individuals involved in such activities to either cease immediately or face severe legal consequences. He called on residents to assist the NSCDC by providing credible information to help combat vandalism effectively.
