The Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State has arrested 17 individuals, with ages ranging from 18 to 70 years, for their involvement in the vandalism of interlocks, armoured cables, metals, and other government property in the streets of Minna. The suspects were apprehended last Saturday between 11 pm and 1 am while in the act of carting away stolen items. The illicit activities targeted property earmarked for the construction of the New Niger project.
The group utilized various vehicles, including Tipper trucks, J5, and tricycles, to transport the stolen goods before being intercepted by security operatives. Muktar Danladi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, revealed that the suspects caused damage to government property, including interlocks, armoured cables, metals, and rods essential for the New Niger project. He emphasized the commitment of the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the state government to address these criminal activities by creating job opportunities.
Danladi conveyed the government’s firm stance, stating, “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 further urged parents to keep a vigilant eye on their children, emphasizing the importance of preventing them from engaging in activities that may lead to legal consequences.
When contacted, Olabisi Kehinde, the DSS Deputy Director of Operations, declined to comment, stating that he does not speak to the media.