The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 16 individuals in various operations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for crimes including vandalism, theft, and illegal mining.

The arrests were carried out by the Tactical Squad of the NSCDC’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Unit, which has been conducting round-the-clock surveillance to safeguard public infrastructure. This was revealed in a statement released Friday by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, Monica Ojobi.

The suspects were apprehended during night raids while attempting to steal valuable items such as armoured cables, telecommunications equipment, galvanised pipes, and household goods.

Among those arrested were Mubarak Barau (29), John Yakubu (24), and Shamsudeen Usman (25), who were caught in the Central Area with stolen items belonging to the National Agricultural Development Fund. Recovered items included eight rolls of armoured cables, an LG outdoor air conditioning unit, a sound speaker, two plastic chairs, two bags of electrical wires, a travelling bag filled with clothes, and a saw.

In another operation at Brains and Hammers Estate in Apo Dutse, near ShopRite, three suspects — Danjuma Jerome (25), Maah Ishiaka (28), and Shefiu Muktar (30) — were arrested for allegedly stealing 16mm electrical cables and engaging in criminal conspiracy.

In Jahi District, four men — Stephen Istifanus (43), Yakubu Thankgod (25), Danladi Samson (29), and Barnabas Sobok (37) — were taken into custody for vandalising infrastructure and stealing galvanised pipes.

Elsewhere in the Idu area, Saidu Shuibu (43) was arrested for engaging in illegal mining, while five more individuals — Phahat Abba (20), Usman Adama (24), Ali Shefiu (33), Adamu Shuibu (20), and Yakubu Abubakar (21) — were detained in Kukwaba for illegal mining and sand dredging. Recovered from them were black armoured cables, three shovels, seven diggers, a knife, pincers, two pinches, transformer fuses, a ring boiler, and other electrical components.

FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to securing critical infrastructure in the capital. He stressed that public facilities are not just for appearance but are vital for improving the quality of life of FCT residents.

“These assets are not just aesthetic — they are functional and essential. It is our duty to protect them,” Odumosu said.

He warned perpetrators of such crimes to desist, noting that the Corps will not be lenient. He also urged residents to cooperate by providing accurate and timely information to help prevent criminal activities.