The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has captured two individuals suspected of railway infrastructure vandalism and 11 others engaged in illegal mining activities.
According to Comfort Okomanyi, the spokesperson for the FCT Command, the railway vandals were apprehended by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit of the command for deliberately damaging rail tracks and traffic lights in the Wuye Area of the territory. The statement revealed that, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the command arrested the 11 suspects involved in illegal mining activities at Izom, a community situated on the border of FCT and Niger State.
“We will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance to vandalism, and there is no plan to retreat on this mission as they must all be brought to book. I have vowed that there is no hiding place for evil perpetrators, so in this vein, active efforts are underway to apprehend their masterminds who are still at large,” stated the spokesperson.
The Commandant emphasized the serious threats posed by economic sabotage through illegal exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources to the ecosystem and the loss of billions of naira to illegal operators. He issued a stern warning to vandals of critical national assets, one-chance syndicate members, scavengers, and kidnappers, emphasizing that such criminal activities will not be tolerated within the FCT jurisdiction.
“We remain committed and dedicated to ridding FCT of criminalities, and we are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals or groups engaged in criminal activities that undermine the safety and prosperity of the citizens,” assured the Commandant. The apprehended suspects are currently under investigation and will be subsequently charged to court, with their cooperation in providing useful information being a crucial factor in determining their level of culpability or affiliation with other criminal syndicates notorious for illegal mining operations within the FCT.
