The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has prohibited scavengers from operating within the Federal Capital City, Abuja.
The announcement was made by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, while addressing journalists after the FCT Security Committee Meeting in Abuja.
According to him, scavengers will now be restricted to dumpsites located on the outskirts and suburbs of the city. He stated, “All security agencies have been directed to begin enforcing this order from Tuesday, January 14.”
In addition, the Committee has also temporarily banned the operation of markets dealing in fairly used goods and scrap metals, popularly known as ‘pantaker markets’, across the FCT for two weeks, starting from the same date.
Disu explained that the two-week suspension is to allow security agencies to profile the operators and ensure that only legitimate traders are allowed to continue business after the exercise. “We are closing all pantaker markets for two weeks to properly profile operators and verify those with legitimate businesses,” he said.
Speaking further, the Commissioner revealed that the ban on scrap metal dealers is aimed at curbing criminal activities often associated with the trade and ensuring compliance with security regulations.
On the issue of “one-chance” robbery syndicates, Disu disclosed that the Police recovered 21 vehicles used by such criminals last year. He noted that most of the vehicles had tinted windows, which prevented victims from easily seeking help. He assured that the Police would sustain the intelligence-led patrols and strategies that proved effective in 2024.
When asked about the recent bomb blast in Bwari, the Commissioner stated that investigations were ongoing, adding, “We are doing everything possible to uncover the facts. Once the investigation is concluded, we will share our findings.”
Disu reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the FCT.
About the Author
