In a bold move to restore order and protect public infrastructure, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a sweeping ban on scavengers operating within Abuja.
This directive, revealed by the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, followed a decisive FCT Security Committee meeting on Monday. According to the commissioner, scavengers will now be restricted to operating only at designated dumpsites located on the outskirts of the city and in suburban areas.
Starting from January 14, security agencies have been mandated to enforce the ban. Alongside this, operations of pantaker markets—hubs for selling second-hand items, scrap iron, and used furniture—have been temporarily suspended for two weeks across the FCT. Disu explained that the suspension is intended to give security agencies the opportunity to thoroughly profile the operators of these markets, ensuring that only legitimate businesses are allowed to continue operations.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over vandalism and its devastating consequences for the residents of Abuja. Public infrastructure, including manhole covers and other essential utilities, has increasingly fallen prey to vandals who sell stolen items through pantaker markets. The commissioner did not mince words in describing the severity of these acts, emphasizing that they amount to economic sabotage and, in some cases, pose life-threatening risks.
“When manhole covers are stolen, drivers navigating the city at night are at grave risk. These reckless actions could cause fatal accidents,” Disu stated. The FCT administration has resolved to ensure that anyone arrested for vandalizing public infrastructure will face the full weight of the law. Offenders will now be charged with economic sabotage and potentially attempted murder.
However, there is a significant challenge: the current penalties for such crimes are often inadequate. “The punishment meted out to these vandals is so lenient—community service or minor fines—that they return to commit the same crimes. It’s a vicious cycle,” Disu explained. This has led the committee to call for stricter measures and heightened public vigilance.
In a bid to engage the community, the FCTA has distributed hotlines for residents to report suspicious activities. “If you see something, say something,” Disu urged, rallying citizens to collaborate in safeguarding government infrastructure. The administration stressed that protecting these resources is a shared responsibility, and every act of vandalism undermines the collective assets of Abuja’s residents.
The two-week suspension of pantaker markets is seen as a critical step toward sanitizing the sector, ensuring that illicit activities are curtailed and that genuine operators can thrive within a regulated framework. This move sends a strong message: the FCTA is determined to clamp down on criminal networks while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents.
As security agencies gear up to enforce these directives, the city braces for a new era of accountability and vigilance. The ban on scavenging and the temporary closure of pantaker markets mark a significant shift in Abuja’s approach to tackling infrastructure theft and safeguarding its public spaces. For now, the countdown has begun, and all eyes are on January 14, when the new order officially takes effect.
