FCT Resident Chases Suspected Streetlight Vandals In Wuse 2 As Infrastructure Theft Worsens

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

A viral video capturing the moment a concerned citizen confronted and chased suspected streetlight thieves along Ibrahim Kashim Way in Wuse 2, Abuja, has sparked fresh outrage over the escalating vandalism of public infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory, where thieves are now targeting entire solar-powered streetlight poles to steal the valuable panels and components inside. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2026, has drawn attention to the growing threat undermining the government's multi-billion-naira "Light Up Abuja" initiative and renewed calls for tougher action against the criminal networks profiting from the destruction of public assets.

According to reports, the suspects were allegedly attempting to tamper with streetlight installations when they were challenged by the vigilant citizen, whose intervention reportedly prevented the theft and possible damage to the facilities. The video, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the unidentified resident confronting the alleged vandals and chasing them away, earning praise from observers for his courage and sense of civic responsibility. Residents have expressed concern that acts of vandalism and theft could undermine the significant investments being made by the government to improve safety and security across the capital city.

The incident comes amid the ongoing "Light Up Abuja" initiative championed by the FCT Administration, which has seen the installation and restoration of streetlights across major roads and districts to enhance security, improve visibility, and boost nighttime economic activities. Since assuming office in August 2023, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has made the illumination of the capital a cornerstone of his administration, signing agreements with Chinese firms CGC and CCECC to provide solar-powered streetlights fitted with surveillance features to prevent theft and vandalism. The initiative includes the installation of state-of-the-art 300W solar-powered hybrid streetlights with luminous capacities ranging from 7,500 to 17,500 lumens, as well as the integration of surveillance modules linked to a centralised control room.

However, the project has been repeatedly plagued by sabotage. Wike has consistently voiced alarm over increasing incidents of vandalism, citing cases of uprooted streetlight poles, stolen cables, and dismantled solar panels. In October 2025, he noted with dismay the repeated cases of sabotage and vandalism of previously installed streetlights, acknowledging the challenges of providing lighting infrastructure in the territory. "Every time you see sabotage—cables have been removed, poles vandalised," Wike said at the time. "There will be so much sabotage, like moving of the posts and vandalism." The contractors had promised that the new streetlights would be fitted with surveillance features to deter criminals, but the thefts have continued unabated.

The scale of the problem is staggering. In January 2025, the FCT Police Command arrested 50 suspects for allegedly stealing streetlights, manhole covers, and other items during coordinated raids in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse. The police recovered 25 manhole covers, five solar streetlights, and several galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers. In August 2025, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) intercepted a truck fully loaded with suspected vandalised streetlight poles in Abuja, with the truck reportedly on its way to Kano. The FCT NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, condemned the activities of vandals who are busy sabotaging government efforts in providing necessary social amenities. By the end of 2025, the NSCDC had arrested 112 suspects for various offences, including the dismantling of streetlights, destruction of billboards, and theft of road crash barriers.

The Wuse 2 incident has reignited calls for stronger measures to protect public infrastructure. Stakeholders have suggested interventions including the installation of CCTV cameras in vulnerable locations, increased surveillance by security agencies, and sustained public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to report suspicious activities and take ownership of public facilities. The FCT Administration has also intensified enforcement across pantaker and scrap markets, which are suspected of serving as outlets for stolen government assets. In February 2026, Wike unveiled a tech-driven plan to end streetlight vandalism, announcing that new streetlights would be equipped with monitoring modules and control rooms to record any acts of vandalism. However, the persistence of the thefts suggests that technological solutions alone may not be enough.

For the residents of Wuse 2 and other parts of Abuja, the sight of a citizen chasing suspected vandals in broad daylight is a stark reminder of the breakdown in public order and the increasing boldness of criminals targeting critical infrastructure. The "Light Up Abuja" initiative, which was meant to transform the capital into a safer, more vibrant city, is under siege. As one observer noted, the courage of the concerned citizen is commendable, but it also highlights the failure of security agencies to protect public assets and the desperate need for a comprehensive, coordinated response to the scourge of infrastructure vandalism.

📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews