By Sarah NEGEDU
Over 16 suspects have been arrested for vandalism of street lights and other infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory, in the last one week.
Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, Felix Obuah, said the arrest followed the recent crackdown on vandals in the nation’s capital.
Obuah, who announced this during a parade of some of the suspects, said that five suspects were arrested on Thursday alone, with two others evading arrest.
Obuah emphasized the importance of public vigilance and media collaboration, stating, “Security is everyone’s responsibility. We’ve enlisted the support of local vigilantes and hunters, which led to today’s arrests.”
He warned that any individual involved in vandalizing government property, including both vandals and buyers, would face legal action.
The AMMC’s intensified efforts comes amid rising concerns about damage to new solar-powered street lights, which were recently installed to improve public safety and visibility at night.
Aderemi Rashid, the contractor for these solar installations, reported that some equipment were stolen despite anti-theft measures in place.
According to the Coordinator, “The equipment used suggests a level of sophistication beyond ordinary miscreants,” Rashid noted, hinting at possible involvement of well-equipped perpetrators.
Recall that the AMMC recently revealed that an expatriate contractor was arrested and handed over to the police for his involvement in the dismantling of streetlight components in Abuja.
Obuah accused the contractor of damaging infrastructure as part of a ploy to secure future repair contracts. The AMMC has vowed to continue these operations and urges residents to report any suspicious activities related to public property vandalism.
