Roads in Abuja are become more hazardous, and people and officials are becoming increasingly concerned about their safety as a result of the increased theft of sewage manhole covers.
Criminals strike as night falls, taking advantage of the darkness and leaving nothing but a path of ruin and destruction in their wake.
Following them, there is an enormously higher chance of collisions, damaged cars, and, worst of all, fatalities.
Although the situation demands quick action, it is still unclear how long Abuja’s citizens would have to live in constant terror of these dangerous road gaps.
Reports surfaced just last week that many manhole covers had been taken from different parts of the city, particularly along major thoroughfares.
In addition to posing a threat to physical safety, the lack of this essential infrastructure highlights the capital’s growing vandalism issue.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has responded to this alarming trend by denouncing the thefts and calling for increased community awareness to stop the growing vandalism.
The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has promptly started replacing vandalised stormwater and sewer manhole covers throughout Abuja in response to orders from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to replace stolen manhole covers.
FCDA executive secretary Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda voiced worry during an inspection of ongoing repairs along the B6 and B12 circle roads in the Central Business District, saying, “It is regrettable that we still have to deal with this difficulty.
We keep trying to replace these covers, but they keep getting stolen.
According to Dauda, the manhole covers are crucial to the city’s drainage system and are specifically made to endure high vehicle traffic.
He emphasised that without these covers, citizens are deprived of necessary services in addition to major urban infrastructure being disrupted.
He also emphasised that since the stolen covers are made to support heavy loads, replacing them will require a substantial time and labour investment.
Sewer and stormwater lines pass through these facilities, which are situated in the centre of the road due to the layout of our infrastructure.
They are made especially to serve these functions. Theft of public infrastructure is becoming a more serious problem.
The FCTA is collaborating closely with security agencies to enhance measures to prevent vandalism of these assets in response to the increase in such incidents.
The executive secretary underlined his frustration at the continued threat: “Despite using various materials in many areas, individuals continue to steal them.
What is the point? In essence, you are stealing from yourself when you steal public infrastructure.
The FCTA has looked into substitute materials that are less appealing to thieves in addition to replacing stolen manhole covers.
Even these new materials are vulnerable to theft, Dauda said, despite their low recycling value.
“These are federal resources, national resources, that have been invested in these infrastructure projects,” he said, urging the media to help raise awareness about this damaging behavior.
Although the FCDA is making every effort to replace the stolen manholes, a director who asked not to be named stated that aside from lowering the calibre of the covers, there is not much else the authority can do to deter theft.
“The theft of manholes is not a new issue. It predates the tenure of the former minister, Muhammad Bello.
“It is not feasible for the FCTA to assign security personnel to every road to protect manholes. The administration simply cannot afford that level of security,” the director said.
He did, however, emphasise that the administration has plans to take more steps to discourage would-be thieves and purchasers of stolen covers.
Once these plans are put into action, I think it will help mitigate the problem, he stated.
The FCTA has looked into substitute materials that are less appealing to thieves in addition to replacing stolen manhole covers.
Even these new materials are vulnerable to theft, Dauda said, despite their low recycling value.
“These are federal resources, national resources, that have been invested in these infrastructure projects,” he said, encouraging the media to help raise awareness about this damaging behaviour.
A director from the FCDA, who asked not to be named, stated that although the authority is making every effort to replace the stolen manholes, aside from lowering the calibre of the covers, there is not much else they can do to deter theft.
“The theft of manholes is not a new issue. It predates the tenure of the former minister, Muhammad Bello.
“It is not feasible for the FCTA to assign security personnel to every road to protect manholes. The administration simply cannot afford that level of security,” the director said.
He did, however, emphasise that the administration has plans to take more steps to discourage would-be thieves and purchasers of stolen covers.
“Once these plans are put into action, I think it will help mitigate the problem,” he stated.
Several people thought to be involved in the crimes have already been arrested as a result of the FCTA’s attempts to stop the theft of sewage manhole covers.
“Efforts are underway to identify not only the culprits but also the potential buyers of the stolen covers,” said Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister’s senior special assistant on public communications and new media.
He stressed how deeply concerned the minister is about this concerning trend, which poses serious risks to drivers.
In order to draw attention to the sharp contrast between the public investment in infrastructure and the self-centred behaviour of some, he also denounced individuals who take advantage of public resources for their own benefit.
An inquiry into the activities of Abuja Steel Company is still ongoing after the FCTA last week identified the company as a possible buyer of the stolen manhole covers.
Olayinka claims that this business, which is located along the Abuja–Kaduna Road, has expressed concerns regarding a number of recovered items. To determine any involvement in the removal, acquisition, and melting of these infrastructure elements, investigators are working.
More than 50 individuals were detained in a number of “panteka” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse, according to recent FCT Police reports.
Along with three vehicles, damaged solar street lights, and items connected to the illegal activity, the FCT Police Command also retrieved about twenty-five manhole covers.
Investigative findings revealed involvement in a broader network that sold stolen goods to scrap merchants, according to FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu.
During a press briefing, Disu emphasised the danger these activities pose to public safety and the integrity of vital infrastructure by saying, “Our operatives conducted a targeted operation that led to the arrest of over 50 suspects and the recovery of vital infrastructural components at Panteka hotspots.”
Wike’s warning that individuals detained in relation to these thefts will suffer harsh legal repercussions demonstrates the government’s will to stop these kinds of crimes.
He categorically stated, “Protecting public amenities is primarily a responsibility of the citizens,” characterising the current destruction as economic sabotage.
According to the minister, community involvement is a top priority as the FCTA mobilises resources to address this concerning trend.
It is advised that locals stay alert and report any suspicious activity, especially when it involves public property.
The minister praised Nigerians for their civic engagement, particularly those who have used social media to record vandalism instances and raise awareness.
Restoring safety and protecting the city’s essential infrastructure would require a concerted effort by government representatives, security organisations, and watchful residents as Abuja deals with the growing issue of manhole cover thefts.
The message is unmistakable: safeguarding public property is a shared duty that should be understood by all citizens who utilise and profit from these common resources, not just the government.