The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory has arrested 50 suspects over theft of manhole covers in Abuja.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, stated this at a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.

Disu said that a targeted operation by operatives of the command led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of 25 manhole covers, three vehicles and some vandalised solar street lights.

He listed other items recovered from the suspects to include: galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers, other tools used in vandalising government installations and several other exhibits.

The police commissioner said that the operation was carried out at various “panteker” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse areas of Abuja.

He said that investigations revealed that the suspects were operating as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.

Disu said that the diversity and volume of the items recovered highlighted the extensive and organised nature of the syndicates, whose activities had caused significant harm to public infrastructure projects and services in the FCT.

According to him, the criminal activities endanger the lives of the public by creating hazards on roads and walkways, while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure.

“I want to emphasise that the FCT police command and our sister security agencies operate a zero-tolerance policy toward acts of vandalism and theft that undermine public infrastructure and safety.

“This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the critical infrastructure of the federal capital territory,” he said.

Disu said that the command would continue to ensure that all those responsible for the criminal acts were brought to justice. (NAN)