By Patrick Idowu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 36 scavengers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of an ongoing crackdown on rising criminal activities.
Announcing the arrests on Wednesday, FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu said the operation followed the recent ban on scavenging and the temporary closure of Pantaker Markets to curb vandalism of public infrastructure and security threats linked to scavengers.
“These individuals, under the guise of collecting scrap, have been implicated in crimes such as vandalizing manhole covers, streetlights, armored cables, and bridge reinforcements,” Odumosu stated.
He warned that some scavengers carry weapons, rob commuters, and act as informants for criminal gangs.
Residents have also reported missing household items, including generators and car batteries, often traced back to scavengers.
The FCT Command has deployed personnel to enforce the ban, with offenders facing arrest.
“Scavenging is now prohibited both day and night, and Pantaker Markets will remain closed for two weeks,” Odumosu emphasized.
During recent operations, security personnel recovered weapons and narcotics, including daggers, jack knives, chisels, iron rods, 45 wraps of Indian hemp, and 10 bottles of codeine syrup.
Odumosu urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring that the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue efforts to maintain law and order in Abuja.
