The Department of State Services, DSS, in Niger State has arrested 17 suspects, including a septuagenarian, for their alleged involvement in the vandalism of interlocks, armoured cables, metals, and other state government property on the streets of Minna.
The suspects, between 18 to 70 years, were apprehended last Saturday between 11pm and 1am while they were in the process of stealing the items.
The group of suspected vandals reportedly uses over seven different brands of vehicles, including tipper trucks, J5, and tricycles, to transport the stolen items before being intercepted by security operatives.
Muktar Danladi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure who confirmed the arrests, stated that the suspects had vandalized government properties intended for the construction of the New Niger project.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, along with the permanent secretary, condemned the criminal activities and stated that the state government is committed to curbing such actions by providing employment opportunities.
Danladi asserted, “The state government will not tolerate this. At the moment, there are 17 people in the DSS custody, and they are going to be handed over to the police and prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.”
The SSA urged parents to keep a vigilant eye on their wards to prevent them from engaging in activities that could lead to trouble.
When contacted, the DSS Deputy Director of Operations, Olabisi Kehinde, declined to comment, stating that she does not speak to the media.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of the investigation.
