The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its efforts to tackle rising criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a major operation leading to the arrest of 36 scavengers.
The crackdown, announced on Wednesday by Olusola Odumosu, FCT Commandant, follows the recent ban on scavenging and a temporary suspension of activities in Pantaker Markets. This, according to him, aims to curb vandalism of public infrastructure and address the growing security threats posed by scavengers operating across Abuja.
“These individuals, under the guise of scavenging for scrap, have been linked to crimes such as vandalism of manhole covers, streetlights, armoured cables, and even bridge reinforcements”, he stated. Odumosu warned that some of these individuals carry dangerous weapons, rob innocent commuters, and act as informants for armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal gangs.
“Residents have reported the disappearance of household items such as generators, car batteries, and air conditioning units, often traced back to scavengers”, he added.
The Commandant also noted that these individuals often monitor residents, profiling them based on household waste and tracking their movements to facilitate crimes like kidnapping and burglary.
The FCT Command has deployed personnel to arrest scavengers found loitering or operating outside designated dump sites.
“Scavenging in Abuja is now banned both day and night, and the Pantaker Markets, known to facilitate the sale of stolen items, are shut for the next two weeks,” Odumosu emphasized.
He stated that during recent operations, security operatives recovered an array of dangerous items, including daggers, jack knives, chisels, iron rods, narcotics, and other tools allegedly used in criminal activities.
The Commandant also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“Although they may appear harmless, many scavengers are dangerous and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of lives, property, and critical infrastructure in the FCT,” he said.
Odumosu assured the public that the Corps, in collaboration with sister agencies, would continue to crack down on criminal elements.
“The FCT Administration is committed to imposing stiffer penalties to deter others and ensure Abuja remains safe for all.” Residents are encouraged to dispose of their waste properly and refrain from engaging scavengers for refuse collection to safeguard themselves and their families.
According to the Commandant, the items recovered include four daggers, three jack knives, two chisels, and three knives. Also seized were two pincers, ten bottles of codeine syrup, 45 wraps of Indian hemp, narcotic drugs, scrap iron rods, and trash bags.
Odumosu reiterated the commitment to prosecuting offenders and restoring peace and security to the nation’s capital. “If you see something, say something, and we will act swiftly,” he noted.
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