The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested 243 suspected criminals from January to June.

The FCT NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said this during an interview with journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Odumosu said that of the 243 arrests, 123 suspects had cases for prosecution.

He said that 159 people were arrested for their involvement in illegal mining activities, adding that the mines and steel departments have so far recorded 39 cases.

According to him, 34 suspects were also arrested for vandalising public infrastructure in the territory and have been assigned case files.

“Most of the suspected vandals were arrested at Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Wuye and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) areas of the FCT. The Agro-Rangers unit, on the other hand, made two arrests, of which both persons have cases, one of which is pending in court. One of the arrests was from a communal clash between farmers and herders at Dafara Community in Kuje area council. Men of the department went to the community and successfully mediated between the parties concerned,” the commandant said.

Mr Odumosu added that the command’s Intelligence and Investigation Department arrested 48 suspects with cases offences from cyber fraud, domestic violence, child abuse and some other civil cases.

He, however, said that 11 criminal cases from the intelligence and investigation unit had been charged to court for prosecution.

“For some of the arrests made, investigations are still ongoing, after which they will be charged in court,” he said.

Mr Odumosu added that the licences of 100 private guard companies were renewed within the first and second quarters under review.

He said that the command also trained 575 private guards, 10 companies and sealed one PGC for non-renewal of operational licenses.

He attributed the achievement of the command to the zeal and commitment of the workforce and the support of the FCT Administration.

The command helmsman warned criminals, especially vandals of public infrastructure in the territory to seek legitimate means of livelihood, relocate to other cities, or face the consequences.

He stated, “I want to assure residents that the NSCDC FCT command is fully committed to the safety of lives and protection of critical infrastructure for the rest of the year and even beyond. My eagle-eyed officers and men are everywhere and Abuja will no longer be a haven for vandals and criminals to operate or attack public infrastructure.’’

The commandant advised the public to partner with the corps and other security agencies through credible and timely information to reduce criminal activities in the territory.

 (NAN)