The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT command, has arrested three persons for allegedly vandalising public property during the yuletide celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC FCT public relations officer (PRO), Monica Ojobi, on Monday in Abuja.

The PRO said that the suspects were apprehended around National Stadium while arranging the vandalised items to cart away to an unknown destination.

She disclosed that the arrest was made by the command’s tactical squad following the orders of the NSCDC FCT commandant, Olusola Odumosu, that routine patrols be conducted during the yuletide to ensure safety of lives and property.

According to Ms Ojobi, exhibits recovered from the suspects are road crash barriers of different sizes and one sledgehammer.

She said that Mr Odumosu had ordered that investigation of the three suspects aged between 19 and 26 to commence, as the outcome will determine their culpability and the appropriate legal action to follow.

The commandant reiterated that the command was determined to bring to an end vandalism in FCT.

“We are aware that these criminals always take advantage of festive seasons to perpetrate their heinous acts; that’s the reason we mounted guard waiting for them in order to beat them to their game.

“It is disheartening that the government’s effort to provide essential infrastructure to make life meaningful is being jettisoned by some unscrupulous elements busy vandalising these assets for their own selfish gains, and this must be stopped.

“It is our responsibility to protect critical infrastructure and amenities such as crash barriers, roads, bridges, manhole covers, telecommunication and power installations, among others,” he said.

He added that the corps will not relent in strengthening efforts to protect national assets from criminals.

The command chief warned criminal elements in the territory to desist from sabotaging the efforts of the government or be ready to face the full weight of the law.

“Disobedience to the law, especially theft and vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), will not be treated with levity,” Mr Odumosu said.

He urged FCT residents to assist the corps and other security agencies with vital intelligence information that will help curb criminality in the FCT and country at large.

(NAN)