In a media briefing by Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu the Federal Capital Territory Police Command Commissioner explained to journalists that the command on collaboration with other security agencies made a remarkable achievements in securing Abuja.
He reeled out the outstanding accomplishments from the command's relentless effort against the scourge of vandalism plaguing the Federal Capital Territory.
"This insidious criminal activity not only undermines the very fabric of our society but also poses significant threats to public safety, disrupts the provision of essential amenities, and jeopardises the integrity of our critical infrastructure" he said.
Confirming that they have made substantial strides in combating this menace, and the achievements serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our citizens and protecting the vital assets that underpin our nation's prosperity.
In a bold move to tackle the menace of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, on January 13, 2025, the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Barrister Nyesom Wike, convened a crucial FCT Core-Security Committee Meeting with heads of security agencies. This strategic gathering culminated in a joint task force with a directive ordering the immediate two-week closure of all scrap yards, commonly referred to as Pan-taker markets, within the Abuja.
The temporary closure of these markets was to dismantle the illicit trade in stolen infrastructure and scrap metals, protecting vital public assets and enhancing citizen safety.
THE LAUNCH OF “OPERATION SWEEP” JOINT TASK FORCE
In alignment with this directive, the Police Command and other sister security agencies initiated "Operation Sweep", a decisive enforcement action targeting the vandalisation, destruction, and illegal sale of critical infrastructure to Pan-taker operators and other illicit buyers. A multi-agency task force, comprising sister security agencies within the Federal Capital Territory, launched a series of targeted operations aimed at dismantling the illicit trade in stolen infrastructure and scrap metals.
The task force includes:
- Nigerian Police
- Nigerian Army
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Department of State Service (DSS)
- Immigration
- Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
- Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS)
- FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS)
- Abuja Environmental Protection Agency
- National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
- Abuja Development Control (ADC)
These coordinated operations focused on scrap yards, commonly known as Pan-taker markets, where scavengers, referred to as Baban-Bola, engage in criminal activities. The task force aimed to displace, evacuate, and demolish makeshift shanties and illegal structures, thereby disrupting the illicit trade and ensuring public safety
COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND FLOW OF WORK
The ongoing intensive enforcement operation, conducted both day and night, commenced on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and has yielded significant results so far. Several major Pan-taker markets were raided, including;
Dei-Dei Pan-taker, Kabusa Pan-taker, Dei-Dei Outward Lane Pan-taker, Zuba Pan-taker, Mpape Pan-taker, Jabi Pan-taker, Nyanya Pan-taker.
Disu gave detailed breakdown of the operation's execution and the items recovered at each location:
January 16 – Raid on Dei-Dei Building Materials/Pan-taker Items Recovered: A large number of manhole sewage covers with the inscription on it - “NOT FOR SALE”.
January 17 – Raid on Nyanya Pan-taker Items Recovered: Cut-to-size electric transformer, three (3) generators, and three (3) motorcycles.
January 18 – Raid on De Gudu Electrical Market, Items Recovered: Huge volume of cables and fibre optic materials.
January 19 – Township Patrol and Eviction of Scavengers
Action Taken: Conducted patrols for confidence-building and the displacement of illegal scavengers.
January 20 – Repeat Patrol at Dei-Dei Building Materials/Pan-taker
Items Recovered: Manhole covers, rubber insulators stripped from cables, and piles of cut-to-size cables.
January 21 – Raid on Apo-Dutse Shanties/Pan-taker
Items Recovered: Large quantities of iron rods and cut-to-size 22mm rods.
Additional Action: Demolition of illegal shanties and displacement of scavengers, locally known as Babambola.
January 22 – Repeat Visit to Kabusa Pan-taker
Findings: No new recoveries were recorded.
January 23 – Raid on Gwarinpa Scavengers' Shanties
Action Taken: Demolition of illegal structures and displacement of scavengers.
January 24 – Raid on Zuba Pan-taker (Abuja) & Diko Pan-taker (Niger State)
Items Recovered:
Documents related to vehicles with unverifiable ownership.
Fake, fabricated Mercedes-Benz chassis numbers.
Industrial solar batteries.
Solar panels.
Large quantities of sacks filled with naked armoured cables.
Weighing scales.
Vehicle rims and cut-to-size iron rods.
January 26 – Raid on Diko Pan-taker (Niger State)
Items Recovered: Similar types of stolen infrastructure as those recovered on January 24.
January 28 – Demolition Exercise Along Road Corridor at Dape Village
Action Taken: Illegal structures were demolished to reclaim public infrastructure.
January 29 – Raid on Dei-Dei ‘B’ Pantaker
Items Recovered: Bundles of barbed wire installed by the government.
This comprehensive operation represents a decisive move towards eliminating vandalism and safeguarding critical infrastructure within the FCT and neighbouring states.
ARRESTS, CHARGES AND RECOVERIES
So far, 31 suspects have been arrested, with 16 already charged to court for;
criminal conspiracy and mischief by injury to public roads, navigable channels, and electrical installations, which are punishable by life imprisonment, a fine, or both, under Section 332 of the Penal Code." It also includes receiving and being in possession of stolen public property.
The suspects charged to court include:
1. Abubakar Adamu
2. Emmanuel John Eze
3. Emeka Eziekel
4. Ahmad Suleiman
5. Dennis Chiagozie
6. Ismail Usman
7. Victor Ezeokoye
8. Izundu Videlis
9. Alex Okechukwu Eddy
10. Jonathan R. Obi
11. Simon Samuel
12. .Mubarak Lawal
13. Okafor Ekene
14. Usman Lawal
15. Shuaibu Yahaya
16. James Edu.
The following exhibits were recovered during the operation:
115 units of manhole covers and drainage covers, Five (5) motorcycles,
Stripped parts of electric transformers. Industrial scaffoldings, Bundles of armoured and insulated cables.
Copper wires.
Fiber optic cables.
Twenty-nine (29) industrial/solar batteries
Solar panels.
Several other stolen infrastructure materials.
Seventy-five 75) bags of cement.
Security doors.
Three (03 pieces of 5kg cylinders.
Power generating sets.
Two (2) water pumping machines.
Ninety-five (95) cartoons of floor tiles.
Water board underground pipes.
One (1) unit of mobile air conditioner.
Twelve (12) large-size solar panels.
Three (03) iron chairs.
Tractor spare parts.
One golf vehicle with Reg. No. KUJ 236 BW carrying suspected stolen scaffolds.
Two (02) pieces of vehicle chassis number templates.
Large quantity of suspected stolen electric changeover.
AEDC IDENTIFIES STOLEN CABLES RESPONSIBLE FOR BLACKOUT IN PARTS OF FCT
Upon recovery, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) officials were invited to identify some of the items. They confirmed that the recovered cables and electrical components were vandalised from multiple electricity stations across the Abuja.
As a direct consequence of these acts of vandalism, several areas, including Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, Karu, and surrounding communities, have been plunged into total blackout.
ESTIMATE VALUE OF ALL RECOVERED ITEMS
The estimated value of all the recovered items exceeds one billion naira (₦1,000,000,000).
DIRECTIVE TO PANTEKA OPERATORS
The Abuja Markets Management Limited under the directive of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has mandated all Pan-taker market operators to report for profiling and registration as follows:
Venue: No. 2 Judah Street, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, Date: Wednesday, February 5, Time: 3:00 PM
Key Directives:
Ban on Scavengers: The public is reminded that scavengers remain strictly banned within the Abuja metropolis.
Protection of Public Infrastructure: Residents are urged to consider public infrastructure as collective property and to remain vigilant. Any attempt at vandalism, theft or suspicious goods should be promptly reported to the Civil Defence or nearest police station.
Market Operations and Law Enforcement: The Abuja Core-Security Committee will oversee and streamline activities within Pan-taker markets across Abuja to ensure compliance with regulations. Zero Tolerance for Stolen Goods: Anyone found selling, receiving, or storing stolen government property (e.g., manhole covers, rail tracks, streetlights) will face immediate arrest, prosecution, and permanent closure of their businesses.
Ignorance is not an excuse. Verify the origin of all goods you acquire. Do not shield thieves or buyers of stolen goods. Cooperate with law enforcement, or face charges as accomplices. This is a continuous operation, and the next phase will commence immediately. Vandals and their patrons should take notice—there is no hiding place for criminal activities within the Abuja. The task force and other security operatives will continue to conduct spot-checks of stalls and warehouses.
Disu appreciated all sister agencies
"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all the commanders and officers of our sister agencies who have played a crucial role in this joint task force operation. Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in addressing the menace of vandalism in the Abuja. A special thanks to the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Immigration, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), and the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abuja Development Control (ADC) for your invaluable contributions. Your commitment has been pivotal in safeguarding public infrastructure and ensuring law and order" Disu concluded.
