TheCable

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has directed security agencies to clampdown on criminals vandalising street lights in the city. 

Speaking with NAN on Monday, Peter Olumuji, secretary, command and control centre, department of security, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said while efforts were ongoing to restore and make all street lights functional across the city, some miscreants have resorted to vandalising them. 

He said the FCTA department of security service had received reports on the vandalisation which mostly takes place in the middle of the night.

He said the miscreants target the solar-powered street lights, their batteries, solar panels, and the lightning mechanisms, including the poles.

Olumuji said the FCT minister has directed the FCT police commissioner in charge of internal security and the officer in charge of critical infrastructure and national assets at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), to clampdown on the criminals responsible.

“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.

“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.”

Olumuji said there are plans to replace the vandalised street lights and called on residents to report any suspicious movements to security agencies.

He explained that good illumination improves security within the city because no criminal wants to operate under bright lights.