FCTA identifies smelting company as buyer of stolen manhole covers

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has identified an iron smelting company as one of the alleged buyers of stolen manhole covers in Abuja.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, confirmed that some exhibits had been recovered from the company and were in police custody.

Olayinka further noted that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the company’s involvement, as well as the roles of other parties in the removal, purchase, and smelting of the manhole covers.

Some of the suspected vandals, who were detained by the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), are reportedly assisting security agencies by providing valuable information regarding the buyers of the stolen manhole covers and other infrastructure.

“The arrested individuals are cooperating with the security agencies and sharing crucial information regarding the buyers of the stolen covers,” Olayinka said.

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He also revealed that the replacement of the vandalized manhole covers had begun on Sunday, as directed by Minister Wike.

The FCTA Minister had previously expressed concern over the theft of manhole covers, emphasizing that it posed significant risks to road users’ safety.

Wike pledged that the FCTA would take all necessary actions to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The public is being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.