The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has conducted a raid on an Abuja Steel Company, located along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, following allegations that the company has been purchasing manhole covers stolen from the city’s highways.
“Several exhibits of interest have been recovered and are now in police custody,” the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement released Monday.
The theft of manhole covers, essential safety features providing access to underground utilities while protecting pedestrians and vehicles from falling into exposed holes, has become an increasing concern in the Federal Capital Territory. These metal covers have been disappearing alarmingly, leaving dangerous gaps in the city’s roads and walkways.
According to the FCTA, several suspects are currently cooperating with security agencies, providing information about other potential buyers of the vandalised infrastructure. The administration has already begun replacing the stolen covers to ensure public safety.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into other companies potentially involved in the purchase and smelting of these stolen materials.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it has arrested 50 suspects connected to the widespread theft of manhole covers across Abuja, recovering numerous stolen items, including 25 manhole covers and vandalised solar street lights.
FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu revealed at a Monday press briefing that the arrests resulted from targeted operations at various “panteker” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse areas of the capital city. The operation also led to the seizure of three vehicles and construction materials, including galvanised rods stolen from flyovers.
“The diversity and volume of recovered items highlight the extensive and organised nature of these syndicates,” Disu said, noting that investigations have uncovered a larger network selling the stolen infrastructure to scrap dealers across the city.
The theft of manhole covers has become a serious safety concern in Abuja, creating hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and motorists. According to Disu, these criminal activities not only endanger public safety but also compromise the integrity of the city’s infrastructure.
“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,” the Commissioner stated.
He added that this achievement indicates their unwavering commitment to protecting the critical infrastructure of the federal capital territory while promising continued efforts to bring all responsible parties to justice.
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