The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)  Police Command, has ordered a massive clampdown on ‘rogue scavengers’ popularly known as “Baban Bola” in Abuja.

The FCT Commissioner of Police Babaji Sunday gave the order following public outcry our the fast rising menace of vandalism and theft of private and public property, including critical national infrastructure by miscreants,  who hide under the guise of metal waste scavengers.

According to FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, “The CP noted that Intelligence at the disposal of the Command revealed that the activities of these miscreants now span beyond mere scavenging to the commission of other criminal ventures like stealing, carjacking, house breaking, arms smuggling, drug peddling, amongst other crimes.

“CP has directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and heads of Tactical formations in the Command to work with stakeholders within their various Areas Of Responsibility (AOR) to checkmate the activities of these prevailing criminal enterprise, arrest on sight to bring these rogue scavengers to book.

“The CP equally called for extra vigilance on the part of residents, especially areas with intense activities of scavengers, to cooperate with the Police in ridding the FCT of these criminal elements. He however enjoined residents not to resort to jungle justice but to arrest and report any rogue scavenger to the nearest Police Station through the following lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883.

“The CP reassured residents of the commitment of the Command to ensuring adequate protection of life and property in the FCT.”