NSCDC Arrests 12 Scavenger On Wike’s Order

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 12 suspected vandals at various locations across the capital city.

A statement on Tuesday by the command’s acting spokesperson, DSC Monica Ojobi, said the suspects hailed from Bauchi, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, and Imo states.

According to Ojobi, the operation aligns with the directive of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to enforce the ban on scavenger activities and protect critical national infrastructure.

The suspects are:

1. Lawal Salisu, Male, 38 years old, from Gajuwa LGA, Bauchi State.
2. Yusuf M. Isah, Male, 25 years old from Kano Municipal LGA, Kano State.
3. Abubakar Garba, Male, from Bichi LGA , Kano State.
4. Anas Musa, Male, 20 years old from Igabi LGA, Kano State.
5. Mansur Sabiu Yusuf, Male , 20 years from Rano LGA, Kano State.
6. Nazifi Shu’ aiabu, Male, 29 years old from karaye LGA, Kano State
7. Kamaladden Nasiru, Male, 22 years old from Kaura Namoda, Zamfara.
8. Jamilu Aminu, Male, 17 years old from Danja LGA, Katsina State .
9. Anas Aliyu, Male, 18 years old, Kpagwai LGA, Kano State.
10. Nafiu Ashinu, Male, 20 years old from Kurfi LGA, Katsina State.
11. Abubakar Aminu, Male , 20 years from Karaye LGA, Kano State.
12. John Adanne, Male, 28 years old from bImbito LGA, Imo State.

According to the FCT NSCDC Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, their activities pose a severe threat to the safety and well-being of FCT residents, as well as the government’s efforts to provide essential public services.

“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,” Odumosu stated

As part of ongoing enforcement measures, the NSCDC has begun profiling businesses at the Pantaker Scrap Market to ensure only legitimate and certified dealers are allowed to operate.

The Commandant warned that any trader found selling stolen government property, such as rail tracks, streetlight poles, manhole covers, or armored cables, will face legal consequences, including permanent business closure.

He said, “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 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.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious scavengers to security agencies.

NSCDC Arrests 12 Scavenger On Wike’s Order is first published on The Whistler Newspaper