IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
In the wake of a massive raid on illegal scrap markets across Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu, has emphasized the need for stricter regulations on scavenger markets, known as pantakas, to curb the growing menace of vandalism.
“If we are able to regulate pantakas, the rate of vandalism will reduce significantly,” Odumosu stated in an interview following the operation. “With proper monitoring and enforcement, we can cut down vandalism by at least 50%, ensuring that critical public infrastructure remains protected.”
His comments came after FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, briefed the public on the joint operation carried out by the FCT Police Command and a multi-agency Joint Task Force (JTF). The coordinated raid led to the recovery of stolen goods valued at over N1 billion and the arrest of 31 suspects engaged in the illegal trade of stolen infrastructure.
The operation, which targeted key pantaka hubs, saw security operatives storming markets in Dei-Dei, Kabusa, Zuba, Mpape, Jabi, and Nyanya, where stolen public property was being dismantled and resold. Authorities seized a significant haul of stolen infrastructure, including:
115 stolen manhole covers labeled “Not for Sale”
Multiple bundles of electrical cables and fiber optic materials
Electric transformers, rubber insulators, and copper wires
12 industrial-sized solar panels and several industrial solar batteries
Five motorcycles and fabricated Mercedes-Benz chassis numbers
Fake vehicle documents and weighing scales
Officials from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) were invited to inspect the recovered items and confirmed that many of the electrical components had been vandalized from electricity stations across the FCT. As a result of these thefts, multiple areas—including Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, and Karu—have suffered prolonged blackouts due to damaged power infrastructure.
Public Urged to Avoid Buying Stolen Goods
While parading the suspects, CP Disu issued a strong warning to Abuja residents against purchasing stolen goods from scavengers.
“Scavengers are not just innocent waste pickers; many of them are actively involved in vandalizing public property and selling stolen infrastructure at ridiculously low prices. Residents must be cautious and ensure they verify the source of any item before making a purchase,” he warned.
The arrested suspects, who have been charged with criminal conspiracy, vandalism, and destruction of public infrastructure, include Adamu Abubakar, Emmanuel John Eze, Emeka Eziekel, Ahmad Suleiman, Dennis Chiagozie, and Ismail Usaman, among others.
The raid follows a high-level security meeting convened by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, where heads of security agencies devised a strategy to tackle the rising cases of theft and vandalism in the capital.
As a result, a Joint Task Force was established, comprising personnel from:
Nigeria Police Force (NPF)
Nigerian Army
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Department of State Services (DSS)
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS)
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS)
Abuja Environmental Protection Agency
Abuja Development Control (ADC)
As part of the operation, makeshift shanties and illegal structures within these markets were dismantled and demolished, disrupting illicit trade and improving public safety.
CP Disu assured FCT residents that the police command remains committed to maintaining security across the territory. He hinted that similar operations would be carried out regularly, especially in satellite towns and border areas where pantaka markets thrive.
“This is just the beginning. We will continue to shut down illegal scrap markets and arrest those responsible for vandalizing public assets,” Disu affirmed.
About Author
