The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has announced the arrest of 51 suspected illegal miners and 3 suspected telecommunication mast vandals in the territory.
NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command’s Headquarters in Wise, Zone 5, Abuja, on Monday, February 26, 2024.
Odumosu stated that the vandalism suspects were apprehended by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit, following a tip-off about dismantling activities at the Giri area. He emphasized that approval must be obtained from the NSCDC before decommissioning any mast, as the Corps is the lead agency in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
The suspects, upon interrogation, failed to provide approval or proper identification. They disclosed that a businessman had been paid N4 million for the dismantling, raising suspicion of premeditated vandalism. Investigations are ongoing to determine culpability and ownership claims.
In a similar operation, 51 suspects were arrested in Gwagwalada for engaging in illegal mining activities. The suspects, all male, lacked evidence of operating under a registered company or having exploration and mining licenses. Odumosu highlighted that illegal mining leads to environmental degradation, rendering areas unsuitable for agriculture and human activities.
The Commandant reiterated that the suspects would be charged to court after thorough investigation, serving as a deterrent to others. Exhibits recovered from the suspects included dismantled metal mast parts, pumping machines, alleged gold dust, fuel, shovels, and diggers.
Odumosu warned vandals and criminals in the FCT to relocate, emphasizing that the NSCDC was vigilant and committed to preventing sabotage on the economy and government efforts to provide infrastructure.
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