The Niger State Command of Department of State Services, has nabbed 17 suspects over the vandalisation of interlocks, armoured cables, metals and other State government properties on the streets of Minna.
The suspected vandals whose ages range from 18 to 70 years were arrested last Saturday between 11pm and 1am while carting away the stolen items. They used over seven brands of vehicles including Tippper trucks, J5 and tricycles to convey their booties before security operatives apprehended them.
The Senior Special Assistant on media for the commissioner of Works, Muktar Danladi, who spoke with our correspondent on Monday said the suspects vandalised some of the property meant for the construction of the New Niger project.
“The suspects went about vandalising government properties including interlocks, armoured cables, metals and rods. These items are meant for the construction of the State Government New Niger project.
“The commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and his permanent secretary are heads over heels on the matter and have reiterated the State Government determination to put an end to these criminal activities by making jobs available.
“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,” he said
Danladi disclosed that the government has urged parents to put a watchful eye on their wards to ensure that they do not engage in activities that may land them in trouble.
The DSS deputy director of operations Olabisi Kehinde who was contact declined comment noting that they do not speak with the media.
