Odumosu Warns Vandals As NSCDC Parades 54 Suspected Illegal Miners

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) Command, Olusola Odumosu has issued a stern warning to vandals and criminals, following the arrest of 51 suspected illegal miners and 3 suspected telecommunication mast vandals in the territory.

Odumosu during the parade at the Command’s Headquarters in Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja, on Monday, disclosed that the vandals were apprehended by the men of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit.

According to him, their arrest follows a tip-off about dismantling activities at Giri area, provided by FCT Command intelligence and undercover operatives.

He explained that before the decommissioning of any mast, an approval of such act must be obtained from the NSCDC being the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure in the country..

He also revealed that the suspects during interrogation by the Command’s Anti-vandal Unit, “were unable to show approval from the Corps.

“Neither do they have any proper means of identification showing who they are and the company they are working for.

“Upon further questioning, they revealed that a certain business man had already been paid the sum of N4m ahead for the dismantling which raised suspicion of a premeditated act of vandalism.

“Ongoing investigation is being carried out to determine his level of culpability and ownership claim after which necessary action will be taken.”

The Commandant disclosed that in a similar operation, 51 suspects were arrested in Gwagwalada area of the FCT for engaging in illegal mining activities.

Odumosu explained that the suspects, all male, had been profiled and had no evidence of a registered company they were operating under, as well as no exploration and mining licence.

“All acts of illegal mining encroach on the soil and cause environmental degradation and erosion, and that is why most of these areas are no longer useful for agricultural and human activities,” Odumosu said.

He said that after thoroughly investigating both cases, the suspects would be charged to court for further disciplinary action that will serve as deterrence to others.

Recovered exhibits from the 54 suspects include dismantled metal mast parts, pumping machines, an unspecified amount of substance believed to be gold dust, pumping hoses, ten liters of fuel, shovels, diggers, and head pans.

“Unquantified amount of substance alleged to be gold dust, pumping hoses, ten litres of fuel, shovels, diggers and head- pan,” he said

The Commandant highlighted that these actions undermine the government’s efforts to provide infrastructure for citizens, saying “we will not relent to arrest any form of sabotage on the economy; the Federal Government is trying so hard to provide infrastructure to make life easy.

“And some miscreants in the name of vandalism and illegal mining are trying to destroy what has been provided.

“People are quick in condemning government, but people like these are the ones destroying the efforts of the federal government.”

Odumosu, however, issued a stern warning to vandals and criminals in the FCT, urging them to relocate as the NSCDC remains vigilant, stressing that there is no hiding place left for those intent on sabotaging the economy and hindering government initiatives.