FCT Police Recover Vandalised Public Infrastructure, Uncover Fake Diplomatic Plate Syndicate

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recovered large quantities of vandalised public infrastructure and uncovered a criminal network involved in the illegal production and use of fake diplomatic and official government number plates.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Abuja, saying the recoveries followed intelligence-led operations and proactive anti-crime patrols across several parts of the territory.

According to him, the recovered items included drainage covers, solar-powered street lights, armoured electricity cables and internet communication cables stolen from Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative Quarters, Lugbe and Nyanya.

Sanusi said five suspects were arrested in connection with the vandalism. They were identified as Godwin Aja, Mustapha Nasiru, Ibrahim Garba, Abdulrasheed Sale and Dabarani Mujitafa.

He described the destruction and theft of public infrastructure as a serious act of economic sabotage with far-reaching consequences for residents.

“The removal of drainage covers, solar street lights, armoured cables used for the transmission of high-voltage electricity and internet communication cables worth millions of naira by a few unscrupulous individuals for personal gain has directly contributed to road traffic accidents, injuries to pedestrians, increased incidents of street crime in areas plunged into darkness and the disruption of electricity supply to entire communities through the theft of high-tension power cables,” he said.

The police commissioner warned scrap dealers and other buyers of stolen public assets that the command had expanded its investigation to dismantle the entire criminal network involved in the theft, distribution and disposal of vandalised infrastructure.

“I want to use this opportunity to send a clear warning to all purchasers, receivers and dealers in stolen public infrastructure that the FCT Police Command is coming after you. We have commenced extensive investigations and will not relent until every link in the supply, distribution and disposal chain of these stolen public assets is identified and brought to justice,” he said.

Sanusi said the recovered infrastructure would be handed over to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for reinstallation to restore damaged public facilities and prevent further accidents.

The police commissioner also announced the recovery of several fake diplomatic and official government number plates allegedly used by criminals to evade security checks and gain unauthorised access to restricted locations.

He said investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in producing and distributing counterfeit number plates bearing diplomatic and government identities to individuals seeking to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.

According to Sanusi, the command has arrested several suspects linked to the illegal operation and is tracking the manufacturers believed to be operating outside the FCT. He added that investigations showed some buyers paid between ₦500,000 and ₦1.7 million for the fake number plates.

He assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations to protect public assets, dismantle criminal networks and ensure those responsible were prosecuted.