PHOTOS: FCT Police arrest vandals, recover stolen items worth ₦1b

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 31 suspects and recovered stolen public infrastructure worth over ₦1 billion in a major crackdown on vandalism and theft within the nation’s capital.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, highlighted the significant strides made in the fight against vandalism, which has continued to threaten public safety and disrupt essential services.

The Commissioner commended the collective efforts of security agencies in addressing the menace.

To curb the escalating cases of infrastructure vandalism, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, convened a high-level security meeting on January 13, 2025, with heads of security agencies.

The outcome was a directive ordering the immediate two-week closure of all scrap yards, commonly referred to as Pantaker markets, across the FCT.

The temporary closure aimed to dismantle the black market for stolen infrastructure and prevent the sale of critical public assets as scrap metal.

In response to the minister’s directive, the FCT Police Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, launched “Operation Sweep”—a large-scale enforcement action targeting the illegal destruction and sale of public infrastructure.

The operation was executed by a multi-agency task force, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and Immigration Service.

Others include the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Abuja Development Control (ADC).

The task force focused on Pantaker markets known for harbouring scavengers locally called Baban Bola, who engage in criminal activities. The coordinated raids led to the demolition of illegal shanties and the evacuation of suspected vandals.

The enforcement operation commenced on January 16, 2025, with security operatives conducting both daytime and nighttime raids on major scrap markets across Abuja. The affected locations included Dei-Dei Panteka, Kabusa Panteka, Zuba Panteka, Mpape Panteka, Jabi Panteka, and Nyanya Panteka.

Key Recoveries Included 115 units of stolen manhole and drainage covers, bundles of armoured and insulated cables, industrial solar batteries and panels, cut-to-size electric transformers and generators, large quantities of fibre optic cables and copper wires, fake vehicle chassis numbers and documents with unverifiable ownership, and water board underground pipes and iron rods.
Others are security doors, sacks of cement, three motorcycles, and power-generating sets.

A total of 31 suspects were arrested, with 16 already charged to court for criminal conspiracy, mischief, and being in possession of stolen public property. The charges, punishable under Section 332 of the Penal Code, carry a sentence of life imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Officials from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) confirmed that some of the recovered cables and electrical components were stolen from multiple power stations across the FCT. As a result, key areas such as Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, and Karu have suffered prolonged blackouts.

To prevent further occurrences, the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) has mandated all Pantaker market operators to register and undergo profiling at the AMML office in Wuse Zone 6 on February 5.
A strict ban on scavengers, popularly called ‘Baban Bola,’ within the FCT metropolis has also been imposed.

Disu warned that business owners found dealing in stolen public property will face immediate prosecution and business closure.

The FCT Police Command has assured residents that Operation Sweep will continue indefinitely, with more spot-checks and enforcement actions across the territory.

The Commissioner of Police expressed gratitude to all security agencies for their collaborative efforts in safeguarding public assets.

“The message is clear: there is no hiding place for criminals within the FCT. We urge residents to see public infrastructure as a collective asset and report any suspicious activities to security agencies,” the Commissioner said.

The crackdown on infrastructure vandalism remains a top priority for security agencies in Abuja, ensuring that public amenities are protected for the collective good of all residents, he said.