By Tanimu Muhammad
Abuja
The FCT Command of the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NSCDC) has paraded seven persons, allegedly caught in the acts of vandalism and illegal petroleum products dealership in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
While four are suspected of dealing illegally in petroleum products in Jahi District, three are suspected vandals of kerb edges and stones on major roads in the Territory.
Our correspondent reports that the suspects were paraded along with a Gulf salon car loaded with kerbs and stones, as well as a mini truck (tanker) filled with an undisclosed petroleum product.
While parading the suspects at the weekend, the Commandant, FCT Command of the NSCDC, Patrick Ukpan, disclosed that the two set of suspects in its custody were caught in the act, following intelligence and swift response from its personnel.
He added that investigation is already on to get to the root of the matter, so as to unearth their collaborators, and at the end of which, they will be arraigned in the court.
” We paraded two set of suspects in our custody allegedly caught in the act. The first set are suspected vandals, who we caught based on intelligence, vandalising cape stones on the expressway, used demarcated the road from the pedestrian walkway.
“So these suspected vandals go there vandalising these items (facilities), but we have caught them and they along with some of the vandalised items are in our custody now.
“Then, we also have another set of suspected illegal dealers in petroleum products. This activity is taking place in an area around Jahi District of the FCT.
” And based on intelligence, our anti-vandalism Department went to the area, and caught them in the act, so they are also in our custody”, he explained.
He added that: “Investigation is ongoing to find out on whose authority they are operating in that area. Because, the area where they are carrying out these suspected illegal activities in petroleum products is a residential area, where such activities are not supposed to take place.”
Furthermore, Ukpan warned all those who have criminal tendencies to desist from perpetuating such, because there are a lot of legal activities that they can engage in , which will give them money to fend for themselves in the Territory.
He also advised FCT residents to always be vigilant and report to security operatives, whenever they suspect that people around their areas are engaging in activities that they are not comfortable with.