The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has arrested sixteen suspects for vandalising street lights and other infrastructure across the nation Capital.
AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Obuah, confirmed the arrest while briefing reporters on the development during the parade of some of the suspects.
Obuah revealed that on Thursday alone, five suspects were arrested with two others.
He emphasised the importance of public vigilance and media collaboration, stating: “Security is everyone’s responsibility. We’ve enlisted the support of local vigilantes and hunters, which led to today’s arrests”.
He warned that any individuals involved in vandalizing government property, including both vandals and buyers, would face legal action.
The AMMC’s intensified efforts came amid rising concerns about damage to new solar-powered street lights, which were recently installed to improve public safety and visibility at night.
Aderemi Rashid, the contractor for the solar installations, reported that some equipment were stolen despite anti-theft measures in place.
According to the Coordinator: “The equipment used suggests a level of sophistication beyond ordinary miscreants”.
Rashid said the vandalization possible with the involvement of well-equipped perpetrators.
In a separate incident, AMMC revealed that an expatriate contractor has been handed over to the police after being caught dismantling streetlight components.
Obuah accused the contractor of damaging infrastructure as part of a ploy to secure future repair contracts.
The AMMC has vowed to continue these operations and urged residents to report any suspicious activities related to public property vandalism.
