Professional Scavengers Outlawed in Abuja

Professional scavengers have been outlawed in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in reaction to growing vandalization of public facilities.

Parading 19 suspected vandals and manhole thieves at the FCT Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Olusola Odumosu said there is immediate need to banned the activities of professional scavengers (popularly called Baba Boola) as many criminal disguised as one to perpetuate crimes which include vandalization of public facilities and outright theft of manhole.

He also lamented that investigation have shown that many of the scavengers are informants to armed robbers and even in armed robbery at notorious black spots of Abuja.

Odumosu, who disclosed that the paraded acclaimed scavengers were arrested at the wee of the night vandalizing public facilities and some sleeping under the bring disguising as homeless persons.

He said: “Those nabbed and paraded
from the intelligence gathered are thieves pretending to be homeless, slept under bridges but were caught stealing manholes and vandalising government property in various area in the FCT.”

Some of the suspects include; John Ahmed “M” 46 years from Lafia local government area of Nasarawa State, Abba Musa ‘’M” 26 years fromDala local government area of Kano State, Jack Ikekwe ‘’M” 25 years from Kalabari local government area of Rivers State, Kabir Dauda Ummar ‘’M” 25 years from Gwale local government area of Kano State, Peter Eseh  ‘’M” 39 years from Ado local government area of Benue State, Monday Magaji ‘’M” 25 years Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State, among others.

Odumosu said henceforth, the Corps will no longer tolerate activities of the scavengers in the FCT.

He assured that the corps will continue to defend the integrity of the government property in the territory.

The Commandant also promised to sanitised the territory of the activities of scavenger, vandals and other criminals, warning those with bad intentions in Abuja to vacate the city, hence the law will catch up with them.

The arrested person, Odumosu said will be handed over to Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for proper prosecution.

The Commandant said: “To counteract the escalating instances of theft and vandalism that have been adversely impacting the FCT Metropolis, the Command took an active approach.

“We activated strategically planned routine night patrols, which proved to be highly effective. In the course of these patrols, we successfully arrested nineteen (19) scavengers and miscreants within the stipulated time frame. The arrested suspects underwent comprehensive interview and profiling processes.

“Subsequently, they will be handed over to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for possible further prosecution.
“These intensified measures serve a dual purpose: deterring potential criminals and ensuring the apprehension of those responsible for these unlawful activities. Through these actions, we are sending an unequivocal and resolute message that criminal behavior will no longer be tolerated within our jurisdiction.

“The proactive strategy we have embraced underscores the unswerving commitment of the government to address the concerns of its citizens. We are steadfastly dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of critical national assets and infrastructure throughout the FCT Metropolis.

He said “the FCT Command remains fully committed to upholding its duty of curbing vandalism. Our collective effort, combined with the support of the community and relevant agencies, will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more secure Federal Capital Territory.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

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