The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ramped up efforts to tackle infrastructure vandalism in Abuja, following a raid on an iron smelting company allegedly linked to stolen public assets.
The operation, aimed at curbing the rampant theft of manhole covers across the city, marks a significant step in the administration’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure.
Officials disclosed that the raid, conducted on Abuja Steel Company along the Abuja–Kaduna Road, uncovered evidence suggesting the company had been purchasing manhole covers stolen by vandals operating in the capital. The Federal Capital Territory’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, stated that the recovered materials are now in police custody and that ongoing investigations aim to identify and dismantle the network facilitating such thefts.
Thefts of manhole covers, which provide access to underground utilities like sewers and pipes, have surged in recent months, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and motorists. Open manholes have become a significant safety concern, with residents reporting frequent accidents caused by exposed roadways.
According to Olayinka, the FCTA’s actions are part of a broader crackdown on the illegal trade of public assets. Several arrests have already been made, with suspects providing valuable information about the buyers and handlers of the stolen goods. Authorities are determined to prosecute those involved and prevent further exploitation of public resources.
The FCT Minister has directed the immediate replacement of stolen manhole covers in affected areas to restore safety and ensure normalcy for residents. Additionally, the administration is exploring the use of alternative materials less attractive to scrap metal dealers and implementing surveillance measures to deter future thefts.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious activities in their communities, as the FCTA strengthens collaborations with law enforcement agencies to address the growing menace. By targeting both vandals and the buyers who enable their activities, the administration aims to disrupt the market for stolen infrastructure and safeguard the city’s public assets.
This intensified approach signals the FCTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of Abuja’s roads and walkways. Officials have vowed to bring those responsible for vandalism to justice, reinforcing the message that public infrastructure is a shared resource that must be protected for the benefit of all.
