The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended five suspects for alleged criminal offences within the last seven days in Enugu metropolis.
Briefing journalists on Friday in Enugu, the Commandant of NSCDC, Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, said the suspects were arrested for vandalism of public amenities, robbery and assault on security personnel.
He said that on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, NSCDC operatives on routine patrol arrested two male suspects for allegedly vandalising street lamp armoured cables.
One of the suspects was apprehended at Nkpokiti Roundabout in Enugu around 8p.m., while the second, a 26-year-old, was arrested at Nza Street, Enugu.
“The items recovered from them include a bag containing many exhibits, including an iron rod,” he said.
Willie 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, was apprehended at Golf Estate, Enugu, while cutting the street poles,” he said.
The commandant added that on the same day, NSCDC officers arrested 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.
*“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.
Willie said that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations were completed, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend their accomplices.
He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance approach to criminality and restated its 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 said.
The commandant also called on those with criminal tendencies to steer clear of the state, especially during the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Conference in Enugu between Aug. 25 and Aug. 30.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the official emergency line – 112 – or to the nearest security agency’s office or personnel.
(NAN)