NSCDC To Stop Manhole Cover Theft, Vandals In FCT

The newly deployed commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command, Mr. Olusola Odumosu, has vowed to end the increasing rate of vandalism and removal of manhole covers in the nation’s capital.

He made the commitment after taking over the mantle of leadership yesterday from his predecessor, Mr Peter Maigari, who has proceeded on a strategic course at the National Security Institute.

Odumosu, who gave the order to vandals to relocate or face the consequences of their indiscretion,  vowed to deploy a tactical team to end what he termed as disturbing criminal trend of vandalism in the FCT.

While promising to embark on visibility policing, the new FCT commandant said he has the mandate of his boss, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, and the support of his personnel to rid the city of vandals.

He said, “I am the son of my father the commandant-general of the corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi and you see how he operates; hence we are going to work very assiduously, we are going to put in our best and that is why I want to encourage you all.

“I am declaring war on vandals, economic saboteurs, criminals, manhole thieves, the vandals of street and traffic lights, communication and electrical installations. These are all critical assets that contribute to the daily existence of Nigerians and NSCDC being at the forefront as the lead agency in this regard, I will ensure that these criminals are put where they belong.

“I am going to deploy a very robust security strategy as I have already mapped out strategies which will also involve the deployment of more men. We will increase day and night patrols as well. What gave them the room to operate before was the fact that they didn’t see much security presence in a number of places with such facilities.

“We have seen that stealing of these items occur even on presidential routes, I assure you that we will increase surveillance on those manholes and deploy our tactical team for public infrastructure protection.”

“We are in charge of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure and manholes are considered as part of such infrastructure, we are going to deploy accordingly,” Odumosu said.

Odumosu who further charged officers of the corps on the need for discipline and total dedication to duty, urged them to exercise civility in dealing with members of the public and stay away from harassing civilians especially journalists in the course of their duties

He also tasked the personnel on the need to remain loyal to the country as well as the service charter.

He stressed that, “Loyalty must be 100 percent. We have to disappoint all the naysayers who say we cannot do better. I want us to transform FCT Command.

According to him, “One of the things I will have issues with is any unbecoming act by any officer that will embarrass the corps. Note that journalists who are projecting and protecting our image must not be embarrassed because of the implications.”