Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has imposed a ban on scavenging activities within the territory. The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Police in FCT, Olatunji Disu, during a briefing with newsmen following the FCT Security Committee Meeting.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Disu stated that scavengers are now restricted to operating solely at designated dumpsites situated on the outskirts of the city and in the suburbs. He emphasized that all security agencies have been instructed to enforce this directive starting from January 14.
Furthermore, the commissioner announced a two-week suspension of pantaker markets, effective from Tuesday, across the FCT. Pantaker markets, which deal in the sale of fairly used items and scrap iron, including furniture and home appliances, will undergo a temporary halt in operations. Disu explained that this suspension aims to allow security agencies to conduct profiling of pantaker operators, ensuring that only legitimate individuals are permitted to operate.
The committee has decided that individuals caught vandalizing public infrastructure will face charges of economic sabotage and potentially attempted murder. Disu highlighted that current punishments, often community service or fines, fail to deter repeat offenders. Vandals pose a significant threat to FCT residents, as their actions, such as removing manhole covers, can lead to fatal accidents for unsuspecting drivers at night.
He stressed the importance of protecting public infrastructure as a shared responsibility among all FCT residents. Disu encouraged the community to report suspicious activities, underlining the need for collective efforts to safeguard government assets.