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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with a joint task force comprising multiple security agencies, has carried out a major raid on shanties and scrap markets (pantakas) in Abuja. The operation led to the recovery of stolen goods valued at over N1 billion from traders dealing in stolen items.
During the raid, security operatives arrested 31 suspects in connection with the illegal trade of stolen goods.
Speaking on the development, FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, cautioned Abuja residents against purchasing stolen goods from scavengers. He warned that these individuals are responsible for vandalizing public property, stealing infrastructure, and selling them at cheap prices.
Disu made these remarks while parading the arrested suspects before the public on Friday. He emphasized that scavenging activities in Abuja not only pose a security risk but also hinder essential public services and destroy critical infrastructure.
To curb the rising cases of theft and vandalism, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently held a high-level security meeting with heads of security agencies.
Following this strategic meeting, a joint task force was formed with the mandate to shut down all scrap yards, commonly referred to as pantaka markets, across the FCT.
The task force comprises multiple security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS). Other agencies involved are the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Abuja Development Control (ADC).
According to the police commissioner, the task force targeted scrap yards where scavengers, locally called “Babanbola,” were engaging in illegal activities.
During the raid, makeshift shanties and illegal structures within these markets were dismantled and demolished. This action disrupted the illicit trade in stolen items and improved public safety.
The arrested suspects have been charged with criminal conspiracy, vandalism, and destruction of public infrastructure such as roads, electrical installations, and other essential facilities.
The individuals facing prosecution include Adamu Abubakar, Emmanuel John Eze, Emeka Eziekel, Ahmad Suleiman, Dennis Chiagozie, Ismail Usaman, Victor Ezeokoye, Izundu Fidelis, Alex Okechukwu Eddy, Jonathan R. Obi, Simon Samuel, Mubarak Lawal, Okafor Ekene, Usman Lawal, Shaibu Yahaya, and James Edu.
Among the markets raided by the task force were Dei-Dei Panteker, Kabusa Panteker, Dei-Dei Outward Lane Panteker, Zuba Panteka, Mpape Panteka, Jabi Panteka, and Nyanya Panteka.
Security operatives recovered a large quantity of stolen public infrastructure, including 115 stolen manhole covers labeled “Not for Sale,” five motorcycles, multiple bundles of electrical cables, electric transformers, and fiber optic materials. Other recovered items included copper wires, rubber insulators, 12 industrial-size solar panels, iron rods, weighing scales, vehicle rims, and fabricated Mercedes-Benz chassis numbers.
Additionally, police recovered numerous industrial solar batteries, fake vehicle documents, and a significant number of solar panels suspected to be stolen.
Officials from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) were invited to inspect the recovered electrical items. They confirmed that many of the stolen cables and components were vandalized from various electricity stations across the FCT.
As a result of the vandalism, multiple areas, including Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, Karu, and surrounding communities, have suffered complete blackouts due to damaged power infrastructure.
The FCT Police Commissioner estimated the total value of the recovered stolen goods to be over N1 billion. He reiterated his warning to the public to avoid purchasing stolen goods from scavengers and advised buyers to verify the source of items before making purchases.
Disu assured FCT residents that the police command remains committed to ensuring their safety and security. He added that the raid was just the beginning, and similar operations would continue across the FCT, including satellite towns and border areas.
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