The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has arrested 37 individuals for violating the recent ban on scavenging activities in the FCT.
This move follows directives from the Minister of FCT, Bar. Nyesom Wike, aimed at regulating waste management and curbing criminal activities tied to scavenging.
The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, PhD, while parading the suspects at the command headquarters, reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the ban. He stated that the arrests align with government policies aimed at regulating pantaker markets and outlawing scavenging within the city.
Scavengers Accused of Criminal Activities
According to Commandant Odumosu, scavengers, often referred to as Baban Bola, pose significant security threats in the FCT. “We have realized that their real business is to vandalize and remove our road infrastructure. They rob innocent commuters and bystanders, going about with dangerous weapons to attack and dispossess them of their belongings, especially at night,” he said.
Odumosu emphasized that scavenging activities have been prohibited both in the city center and suburban areas at all times. Scavengers are now restricted to designated dump sites managed by waste management authorities.
Public Urged to Cooperate
Commandant Odumosu urged residents to dispose of waste properly and avoid engaging scavengers for refuse collection, emphasizing the importance of public safety. “It is imperative that citizens and residents join hands with the Corps and other security agencies to flush out these dangerous elements in the FCT by chasing scavengers away whenever you see them,” he appealed.
He also called on the public to report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities, highlighting the role of collective effort in maintaining security.
Recovered Items and Prosecution Plans
The command disclosed several exhibits recovered from the suspects, including:
Four (4) daggers
Three (3) jack knives
Two (2) chisels
Three (3) knives
Two (2) pinches
Ten (10) bottles of codeine syrup
Forty-five (45) wraps of Indian hemp
Trash bags
Pieces of iron rods
Other narcotic drugs.
The suspects are currently being profiled and investigated, with due diligence assured in their prosecution process.
