The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it has arrested a telecommunication installer for alleged vandalism and theft of fibre-optic cables in Abuja.
A statement by the FCT NSCDC spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, in Abuja, revealed that the suspect operated along the Kugbo – Nyanya axis of the territory.
Ojobi disclosed that two rolls of fibre-optic cables measuring approximately 1,500 metres each were recovered from the suspect upon interception.
She said that the suspect was nabbed in the act inside a manhole while vandalising and stealing cables belonging to a telecommunication company.
According to Ojobi, during interrogation, the 55-year-old male suspect confessed to having worked in the telecommunication and fibre-optic installation sector since 2004.
‘He said that the experiences gained in handling installations of different types of cables made vandalism and theft easier.
‘He also said that after leaving the employer who brought him to Abuja, he started working independently after which he met an alleged accomplice in 2013.
‘The suspect explained that his accomplice who is currently at large, informed him of a job around the Nyanya-Kugbo axis which led to the beginning of his illegal operations.’
Ojobi also quoted the suspect as saying that upon arriving at the location, his partner entered a telecommunication manhole and removed 1,500 metres of fiber optic cables belonging to different communication companies.
The FCT NSCDC spokesperson said that the alleged accomplice fled the crime scene upon sighting operatives of the corps.
ýShe quoted the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, as frowning at the nefarious activities of vandals in the FCT.
Odumosu reiterated that the socio economic impacts of vandalism were enormous and must not be allowed to continue.
The commandant warned that anyone caught in any form of vandalism would be made to face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
He urged residents to continuously support the corps with intelligence reports that will help curb vandalism in the FCT. (NAN)