From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested five suspects for various criminal offences within one week in Enugu metropolis.
The offences include vandalism of public amenities, robbery and assault on security personnel.
Briefing newsmen on the feat yesterday in Enugu, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Dr Elijah Willie, said the command had intensified its crackdown on criminal suspects and their activities.
Willie said on August 19 and 20, respectively; operatives on routine patrol arrested two male suspects for vandalising streetlight armoured cables:
He noted that the first, 25-year-old suspect (name withheld) was arrested at Nkpokiti Roundabout in Enugu at about 8pm, while the second, a 26-year-old suspect (name withheld) was arrested at Nza Street.
“Items recovered from them include a bag containing several exhibits, including a saw and an iron rod,” he said.
The commandant noted that on August 22 at about 1:30am, NSCDC operatives arrested another suspect for vandalising galvanised street poles.
“The suspect, a 27-year-old (name withheld), was arrested red handed at Golf Estate, while cutting the street poles,” he said.
Willie also said that on August 22, NSCDC officers arrested two male suspects at the Auditor-General’s Office for robbery, assault on an NSCDC officer on duty and destruction of government property.
He said, “Two of the suspects, including an 18-year-old teen, were arrested.
“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 the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are completed, even as the command is intensifying efforts to arrest their accomplices.
The commandant also reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance approach to criminality and restated its unwavering commitment to protect critical infrastructure and ensure 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 slated for August 25 and 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, adding that “Together, we will make Enugu State safe”.
