By Emmanuel Agbo
The police have arrested about 50 persons suspected to be involved in the theft of manhole covers in Abuja.
The arrests followed a coordinated raid on the Kabusa Pantaker Market on Sunday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said on its X handle.
The police said, “Investigations have revealed that these individuals operate as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.
“This criminal activity endangers the lives of the general public by creating hazards on roads and walkways while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure.”
The police also said the operation also led to the recovery of three vehicles, vandalised solar street lights, galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers, and various tools allegedly employed in the destruction of public infrastructure.
The raid extended to several scrap metal hubs in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in a statement on Monday, described the theft of the manhole covers as a significant threat to public safety and a strain on government resources.
“It is unacceptable that amenities provided for the use of Nigerians are being stolen and sold, endangering lives and wasting funds meant for development,” he said.
He added that the theft of manhole covers could cause many accidents for unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.
The stolen covers were specifically designed to withstand heavy vehicular traffic and are crucial for the proper functioning of the city’s drainage system.
