2025 FCT Halts Scavenging, Shuts Pantaker Operations
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has prohibited scavengers from operating within the territory.
The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, revealed the ban while addressing reporters following the FCT Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Monday.
Disu stated that scavengers are only permitted to work on dumpsites situated on the outskirts of the city and in the suburbs.
“All security agencies have been instructed to ensure compliance with this order, starting from January 14,” he remarked.
The commissioner also mentioned that the operation of pantaker markets has been suspended for two weeks, commencing from Tuesday across the FCT.
Pantaker markets involve the sale of secondhand items and scrap metal, including furniture and home appliances.
He elaborated that the two-week suspension aims to enable security agencies to profile the pantaker operators.
This, he noted, will guarantee that only legitimate operators remain in business at pantaker markets throughout the FCT.
He pointed out that the committee has decided that anyone detained for vandalizing public infrastructure will be prosecuted and tried for economic sabotage, and potentially for attempted murder.
He emphasized that the penalties for such actions typically result in community service or fines, prompting offenders to reoffend.
“The sanctions imposed are so minimal that we observe a cycle of recidivism among these criminals.
“The actions of the vandals pose a serious risk to the lives of FCT residents because removing manhole covers can lead to fatal accidents for drivers at night,” Disu stated.
According to him, vandalizing public infrastructure undermines the collective property belonging to all residents of the FCT.
“Emergency contact numbers have been provided; if you see something, please report it.”
JOIN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
