The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested another twelve (12) scavengers at different locations across the capital city.
The apprehension of the suspects, NSCDC said was in continuation of the Corps’ relentless efforts against the menace of vandalism and theft bedeviling the FCT as well as enforcement of the ban against scavenging by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
The Command Public Relations Officer, Monica Ojobi in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja said the arrest was testament to the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting the critical national assets and infrastructure as well as the lives and property of the residents of the Federal Capital Territory and it’s environs.
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Speaking on the arrest, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the activities of these criminals pose significant threats to the safety of the people of the FCT as well as truncate the good intentions of the government to provide the needed amenities meant to make life meaningful for the people.
“I want to remind residents of Abuja that the ban on scavenging in the FCT remains sacrosanct and I am determined to ensure that the ugly trend of Vandalism and theft perpetrated by this group of people is brought to an end in the city of Abuja and it’s suburbs,” he said.
The FCT Commandant affirmed that the scrapped market popularly known as pantaker market in the FCT is undergoing profiling to streamline their activities in a way that only genuine and certified dealers are allowed to operate in the market.
“Anyone found selling stolen government property like rail tracks, streetlight poles and panels, manhole covers, Armoured cables and the likes will be arrested, made to face the wrath of the law and his business permanently closed,” Odumosu warned.
He charged genuine businessmen operating at the pantaker market to verify the origin of all the goods they acquire and desist from shielding thieves who bring stolen items to them else they will face charges as accomplices.
He has accordingly, urged FCT residents to report to any security outfit close to them once they sight any scavenger around their vicinity.
