By Zara Maisango
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully apprehended fifty suspects linked to the theft of manhole covers in Abuja. This significant breakthrough was achieved during a targeted operation at the Kabusa Pantaker Market on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
According to the police, the operation led to the recovery of twenty-five manhole covers, three vehicles, vandalized solar streetlights, galvanized rods from flyover constructions, and various tools allegedly used in these criminal activities. Other stolen government installations were also retrieved from hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse.
In a statement, the command revealed that the suspects are part of an organized network that trades stolen manhole covers with scrap dealers. "This criminal activity jeopardizes public safety by leaving hazardous open spaces on roads and walkways while degrading the nation’s infrastructure," the statement read.
The names of the suspects were disclosed by the command, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle the network fully. Residents of Abuja have lauded the efforts of the police, urging for swift prosecution of the offenders to serve as a deterrent to others.
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