The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 51 suspected illegal miners and 3 suspected telecommunication mast vandals in the territory.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu while briefing newsmen in Abuja said that the three suspected vandals were apprehended by men of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit, following a tip-off of the illegal activity at Giri area of the territory.
He disclosed that the suspects during interrogation were unable to show an approval for dismantling the critical infrastructure from the Corps as the lead agency in the protection of national assets.
“Upon further questioning, they revealed that a certain business man had already been paid the sum of N4 million 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,” he said.
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 encroaches on the soil causes 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 deterrent to others.
Exhibits recovered from the 54 suspects were dismantled metal mast parts, five pumping machines,
Un-quantified amount of substance alleged to be gold dust, pumping hoses, ten litres of fuel, shovels, diggers and head- pan.
According to Odumosu, henceforth, the Corps will not relent in arresting any form of sabotage on the economy stressing that the Federal Government is trying so hard to provide infrastructure to make life easy.
“People are quick in condemning government but people like these are the ones destroying the efforts of the Federal Government,” the Commandant added.
The Commandant warned vandals and criminals in the FCT to relocate, stressing that, the NSCDC was out for them as there is no hiding place left for them in the territory.
PR/Nkiru Njemanze
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