The suspects were apprehended by officers attached to the Central Police Station during a routine anti-crime patrol within the city centre.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement, identifying the suspects as Sani Musa, Ashiru Adamu, Markus Joseph, Suleman Ibrahim, Jamilu Umar, Usman Aliyu, Uzairu Sani and Shafiu Bala.
According to Adeh, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly belong to a criminal gang involved in the vandalism and theft of public and private infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
She said the gang reportedly operates in several areas, including the Central Business District, Maitama, Wuse, Garki and Asokoro.
Police operatives also recovered five long streetlight poles, which had been cut at their bases and were suspected to have been stolen.
Adeh said the suspects and recovered exhibits remain in police custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police spokesperson urged residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.
She also provided the Command’s emergency contact numbers as 08032003913 and 08061581938 for members of the public seeking to report security concerns.
