The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has ramped up efforts to curb streetlight vandalism across Abuja, detaining 16 suspects over the past week.
Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, announced the arrests on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
Obuah noted that five suspects were apprehended on Thursday alone, thanks to the collaboration with local vigilante and hunters’ groups. Two additional suspects are currently on the run. He emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report any suspicious activity around streetlight infrastructure to security agencies.
“Community involvement is crucial in safeguarding our public assets, particularly the streetlight facilities,” Obuah stated. He also warned that both vandals and those purchasing stolen government property would face prosecution.
The crackdown comes in response to growing concerns over the persistent vandalism of newly installed solar-powered streetlights. A contractor, Mr. Aderemi Rashid, reported that sophisticated equipment used in some thefts suggests that the perpetrators may be more organized than common criminals.
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In a related development, Obuah recalled the arrest of an expatriate contractor on October 29 for allegedly damaging streetlight infrastructure. The expatriate has been handed over to law enforcement for further investigation, with suspicions that the act may have been a tactic to secure contracts for restoring the damaged streetlights.
Obuah affirmed that the AMMC would continue its operations against vandals and called on Abuja residents to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activities concerning public property.
The FCTA has also directed security agencies to intensify efforts against vandals, including regular patrols and surveillance of streetlight areas.
Residents are urged to report suspicious activities around streetlight facilities, emphasizing public vigilance as crucial for protecting infrastructure.
The FCTA is also enlisting local vigilantes and hunters to assist in monitoring and apprehending vandals Strict prosecution is promised for anyone involved in vandalism, including those buying stolen component.
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