Security services in the federal capital of Abuja are to crack down on criminals who damage street lights, as instructed by Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Department of Security, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Monday.
As part of his attempts to make Abuja a proper capital city, NAN remembers that Wike listed the restoration of street lights as one of his top priorities upon taking office as the FCT Minister.
However, as work were ongoing to restore and make all lamps functioning around the city, some miscreants resorted to vandalising the facilities. especially the ones that run on solar in some areas of the city.
Olumuji stated that the FCT’s street lighting had much improved as a result of the Minister’s directive, but he also recognized that unknown criminals were responsible for the continued sabotage.
He claimed that the FCTA Department of Security Service had been notified of complaints of street light vandalism, which primarily occurred at night.
He claimed that the reports suggested that the criminals target the batteries, solar panels, and lightning systems, which include the poles, of solar-powered streetlights.
“The street lights were bought with taxpayers’ money and installed to brighten the city at night and ensure that FCT is secured, but sadly, some criminal elements among us are vandalising them.
“This is sad,” he said.
He disclosed that the FCT Minister had directed the Police Commissioner, FCT Command, in charge of internal security to clampdown on the criminals sabotaging ongoing efforts to light up the city.
He added that the officer in charge of critical infrastructure and national assets at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps was equally asked to work with the police to track and arrest the culprits.
“The minister had directed the security agencies to ensure that all the miscreants that go about vandalising street lights are apprehended and prosecuted to end the wicked act.
“They are making progress and soon, some of the vandals apprehended would be paraded and taken to court for prosecution.
“The street lights were installed for the benefit of all residents and to enable people to move freely within the city at night.
“However, you cannot vandalise the street lights and still complain that the government is not doing anything.,” he said.
Olumuji said that while there are plans to replace the vandalised street lights, residents should learn to take ownership of facilities installed in their areas by reporting any suspicious movement to security agencies.
He explained that good illumination improves security within the city because no criminal element wants to operate under the glare of light.
“They always carry out their trade under darkness.
“So, when you have all the street lights working, it improves and aids better security of lives and properties,” he added.
(NAN)