Abuja Steel Company Implicated In Manhole Cover Theft Investigation As FCT Minister Orders Immediate Replacement

FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – Abuja Steel Company, an iron smelting firm located along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, has been identified as one of the alleged receivers of stolen manhole covers.

A release titled “Update on Vandalisation of Sewage Manhole Covers on Abuja Highways,” e-signed by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant (Public Communications and New Media) to the FCT Minister, confirmed that exhibits of interest have been recovered from the company and are now in police custody.

Further investigations are underway to determine the company’s involvement, alongside other entities, in the removal, purchase, and smelting of the stolen infrastructure.

Authorities are working to dismantle this suspected network and hold all implicated parties accountable.

Security agencies, including the Police and NSCDC, recently made significant arrests and recoveries tied to this vandalism. Fifty suspects were apprehended during a raid at Kabusa Pantaker Market on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Among the recovered items were 25 manhole covers, vandalized solar streetlights, galvanized rods used for flyovers, and other tools linked to the criminal acts.

The FCT Police Command revealed that the suspects operate within a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.

This illegal trade jeopardizes public safety by creating road and walkway hazards and undermining the integrity of essential infrastructure.

In response to the thefts, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed the immediate replacement of the stolen manhole covers.

Authorities have also commended the efforts of security agencies, noting that the arrested individuals are providing valuable information about the buyers and collaborators involved in the vandalism.

The FCT Command emphasized that these criminal activities pose serious risks to the public and called for heightened vigilance to protect government installations and public infrastructure.

The recovered items and ongoing investigations highlight the scope of the problem and the commitment of authorities to address it effectively.