The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has apprehended five suspects for alleged criminal offences within the last seven days in Enugu metropolis.
Briefing newsmen on the feat on Friday in Enugu, the Commandant of NSCDC, Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, said the suspects were held for vandalism of public amenities, robbery and assault on security personnel.
Willie said that on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, NSCDC operatives on routine patrol apprehended two male suspects for allegedly vandalising street lamps armoured cables:
He said one of the suspects (name withheld) was apprehended at Nkpokiti Roundabout in Enugu about 8p.m.; while the second, a 26-year-old suspect (name withheld), was apprehended at Nza Street, Enugu.
“The items recovered from them includes a bag containing many exhibits, including an iron rod,” he said.
The commandant said that on Aug. 22, at about 1:30a.m., NSCDC operatives apprehended another suspect for vandalising galvanised street poles.
“The suspect, 27-year-old (name withheld), was apprehended at Golf Estate, Enugu while cutting the street poles,” he said.
Willie also said that Aug. 22, NSCDC officers apprehended two male suspects at the state’s Auditor-General’s Office in Enugu for robbery, assault on an NSCDC official on duty, and destruction of government property.
He said, “Two of the suspects, which included an 18-year-old, were apprehended
“NSCDC investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a five-man gang notorious for harassing residents, vandalising government infrastructure and engaging in theft.”
He said that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations were completed, even as the command was intensifying efforts to also apprehend their accomplices.
The commandant also reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance approach to criminality and restated its unwavering commitment to protecting infrastructure and ensuring public safety.
“Let this serve as a strong warning; under my watch, there will be no hiding place for criminals in Enugu State.
“The long arm of the law will catch up with anyone involved in acts of vandalism, robbery, or any form of criminality,” he stated.
He called on those with criminal tendencies to steer clear of the state, especially during the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Conference week in Enugu between Aug. 25 and Aug. 30.
Willie urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the official emergency lines – 112 – or to the nearest security agency’s office or personnel.
