The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a cable-vandalism gang in Abuja. The suspects, identified as Sagir Abubakar of Kuchingoro Village, FCT, and Seidu Umar Bello, were arrested following a surveillance patrol along Walter Ofonagoro Street, Guzape, at about 1:30am on October 31. The police operatives spotted a Lexus SUV and a Toyota Sienna parked under suspicious circumstances and approached the vehicles to ascertain the occupants' reasons for being there at that hour.
The occupants of the vehicles reportedly sped off upon sighting the police team, abandoning one of their accomplices, who attempted to escape on foot. The operatives pursued and arrested him, while a search of the surrounding premises led to the recovery of several cut-to-size armoured cables. The police command said preliminary investigations identified Abubakar as a member of a gang allegedly targeting secluded locations across the FCT to vandalise public and private infrastructure.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Bello, who had initially escaped from the scene in one of the vehicles. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja. Adeh said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects' activities, identify other members of the gang, and arrest those still at large.
The suspects remained in police custody and would be charged in court once investigations concluded. The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station. The police also provided emergency contact numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
The FCT Police Command's efforts to curb cable vandalism and other crimes in the territory have been ongoing. In a related development, the police rescued 11 abductees and arrested suspects nationwide. The command has also disrupted a night robbery in Ogun and neutralized a suspect.
The arrested suspects, Abubakar and Bello, are expected to face charges for their alleged involvement in the vandalism of public and private infrastructure. The police have assured the public that they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of residents in the FCT.
The FCT Police Command's public relations officer, SP Josephine Adeh, appealed to residents to cooperate with the police in their efforts to maintain peace and order in the territory. The command will continue to investigate the activities of the suspected cable vandals and take necessary actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Two suspects arrested for allegedly vandalizing public and private infrastructure in Abuja.
- The suspects, identified as Sagir Abubakar and Seidu Umar Bello, were arrested following a surveillance patrol in Guzape, Abuja.
- The police recovered several cut-to-size armoured cables and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
