THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police command has arrested vandals of public road infrastructure, users of fake number plates as shields with a vow to prosecute each perpetrator as deterrent.

FCT Commissioner of Police , Mohammed Sanusi told journalists on Friday that the achievements were made possible through proactive anti-crime patrols and timely intelligence received from members of the public.

Th le Commissioner of Police emphasized that the Command under his leadership has intensified its crime prevention and detection efforts against the vandalism of public and private infrastructure.

He said the criminal activity has not only resulted in significant economic sabotage but has also exposed residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to hazards caused by the destruction and theft of public infrastructure.

According to him , the removal of drainage covers, solar street lights, armoured cables used for the transmission of high-voltage electricity, and internet communication cables worth millions of naira by a few unscrupulous individuals for personal gain has directly contributed to road traffic accidents, injuries to pedestrians, increased incidents of street crime in areas plunged into darkness, and the disruption of electricity supply to entire communities through the theft of high-tension power cables.

“These exhibits were recovered during coordinated operations across Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative, Lugbe, and Nyanya Areas of the FCT and the following suspects were arrested in connection with the recoveries: Godwin Aja, Mustapha Nasiru, Ibrahim Garba, Abdulrasheed Sale and
Dabarani Mujitafa.

“I want to use this opportunity to send a clear warning to all purchasers, receivers, and dealers in stolen public infrastructure that the FCT Police Command is coming after you. We have commenced extensive investigations and will not relent until every link in the supply, distribution, and disposal chain of these stolen public assets is identified and brought to justice.

“In fulfilment of our commitment to restoring critical public infrastructure for the benefit of residents, the exhibits recovered today will be formally handed over to the Director, Facility Maintenance, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who is here with us today for necessary action towards their reinstallation.”

Speaking on the authorized use of number plates number about 84 , the commissioner of Police pointed out that, “upon my assumption of duty as the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, my attention was drawn to the proliferation and unauthorized use of diplomatic and official government license plate numbers by unauthorized individuals. I immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation into this disturbing trend, which revealed that these individuals use such plate numbers as a cover to perpetrate crimes within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and evade detection and arrest.

“Our investigations uncovered not only the unauthorized users of these license plate numbers but also the production and supply chain through which they were obtained.

“Before you are the license plate numbers and diplomatic license plate numbers confiscated across various areas of the FCT. The suspects from whom these license plate numbers were recovered are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. However, a few of such vehicles are displayed over there for your observation.

“I want to assure all residents of the Federal Capital Territory that we at the FCT Police Command will not rest until crime and criminality is reduced to the barest minimum.”