The suspects were apprehended by operatives attached to the Central Police Station during a routine anti-crime patrol within the city centre.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement, identifying the suspects as Sani Musa, Ashiru Adamu, Markus Joseph, Suleman Ibrahim, Jamilu Umar, Usman Aliyu, Uzairu Sani and Shafiu Bala.
According to Adeh, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly belonged to a criminal gang involved in the vandalism and theft of public and private infrastructure across several districts of the Federal Capital Territory.
She listed the affected areas as the Central Business District, Maitama, Wuse, Garki and Asokoro.
The police spokesperson disclosed that five long streetlight poles, which had reportedly been cut at their bases and were suspected to have been stolen, were recovered following the suspects’ arrest.
She added that the recovered items had been secured as exhibits, while the eight suspects remained in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Adeh said the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation had been completed.
The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling vandalism and other criminal activities targeting public infrastructure, noting that the destruction and theft of such facilities undermine government investments and deprive residents of essential public services.
The police also called on residents of the FCT to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious individuals and activities within their neighbourhoods.
Adeh urged members of the public to provide timely information that could assist the police in preventing crime and apprehending offenders.
Residents were advised to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the FCT Police Command through its emergency telephone lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
The Command assured residents of its continued efforts to protect lives and property and maintain security across the nation’s capital.
