The FCT Police Command has recovered vandalised public infrastructure and confiscated unauthorized diplomatic and government number plates during operations across Abuja.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the recovery of vandalised public infrastructure and the seizure of unauthorized diplomatic and government number plates as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime in Abuja.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the achievements were made possible through intelligence-led operations and proactive anti-crime patrols across the territory.
According to the police commissioner, operatives carried out coordinated operations in Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative Quarters, Lugbe and Nyanya, leading to the recovery of stolen public assets.
The recovered items include:
- Drainage covers;
- Solar-powered street lights;
- Armoured electricity cables;
- High-tension transmission wires; and
- Internet communication cables.
CP Sanusi said the theft and destruction of public infrastructure had caused significant economic losses and exposed residents to dangers, including road accidents, power outages and increased criminal activities in poorly lit areas.
Five suspects were arrested in connection with the recoveries. They were identified as:
- Godwin Aja;
- Mustapha Nasiru;
- Ibrahim Garba;
- Abdulrasheed Sale; and
- Dabarani Mujitafa.
The commissioner warned scrap dealers and buyers of stolen public property that the command would intensify investigations to dismantle the entire network responsible for the crimes.
The recovered items are expected to be handed over to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for reinstallation.
The police also announced the recovery of several unauthorized diplomatic and government number plates allegedly being used by criminals to evade arrest and carry out illegal activities within the FCT.
According to CP Sanusi, investigations revealed a network involved in the production, distribution and illegal use of the number plates.
He said the suspects linked to the recovered vehicles and plate numbers are currently in police custody and will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
The police boss explained that the crackdown began after he assumed office and discovered the increasing misuse of official and diplomatic plate numbers by unauthorized individuals.
CP Sanusi assured residents that the FCT Police Command remains committed to reducing crime and safeguarding lives and property across Abuja.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
>We will not relent until crime and criminality are reduced to the barest minimum in the Federal Capital Territory,,< the commissioner said.
The vandalism of public infrastructure has become a growing concern in Abuja, affecting electricity supply, road safety and public security.
Security experts say the misuse of diplomatic and government number plates also poses a serious threat because criminals can use them to avoid detection.
The FCT Police Command says investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the vandalism and fake-number-plate networks.
Authorities are also expected to work with relevant agencies to restore damaged infrastructure and strengthen surveillance across the capital city.
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