The Department of State Services in Niger State has arrested 17 suspects over the vandalism of interlocks, armoured cables, metals and other state government property on the streets of Minna.
The suspected vandals, whose ages range from 18 to 70 years, were arrested last Saturday between 11 pm and 1 am while carting away the stolen items.
They used over seven brands of vehicles, including Tipper trucks, J5 and tricycles to convey their booties before security operatives apprehended them.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Muktar Danladi, who spoke 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’s 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’s 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 noted that the government had 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, when contacted, declined comment, saying does not speak to the media.