The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has arrested 36 scavengers in Abuja for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including vandalism and theft of public infrastructure.
The arrests were made as part of an ongoing crackdown on scavengers, locally referred to as Baba Nbola, in different parts of the city and its suburbs.
Addressing the press on Friday, FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu revealed that the arrests followed a directive from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to ban scavenging activities in the territory and suspend commercial operations in Pantaker Markets for two weeks.
“These individuals were arrested for engaging in criminal acts under the guise of scavenging. They vandalise manhole covers, streetlights, solar panels, and other public infrastructure to sell as scrap, causing significant damage to the city’s infrastructure,” Odumosu explained.
The Commandant further disclosed that the suspects were also linked to robberies, theft of household items, and other illicit activities. A variety of items were recovered from the suspects, including four daggers, three jack knives, chisels, iron rods, narcotics, codeine syrup, and wraps of cannabis.
Investigations also revealed that some scavengers acted as informants for criminal gangs, including armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins, and terrorists. Odumosu highlighted how scavengers would gather sensitive information about families, such as the number of children, types of vehicles, and work locations, which they would pass on to criminals planning attacks or kidnappings.
“Unfortunately, many people perceive these individuals as just ordinary poor Nigerians trying to make a living, so they move about unchecked and unnoticed. Some even sympathise with them, offering alms, unaware that they are often involved in criminal activities,” he said.
The Commandant urged the public to work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and reiterated the FCT Administration’s zero-tolerance policy on scavenging in the city. He warned that violators would face prosecution.
“We have banned scavengers, also known as Baba Nbola, from operating in the city center and suburbs, both day and night. They are now restricted to the designated dump sites where household waste is deposited by the waste management authorities,” Odumosu stated.
He also called on residents to properly dispose of their waste and avoid patronising scavengers for the safety of themselves and their families. Odumosu assured the public that ongoing efforts would continue to eliminate criminal elements from the FCT and restore safety and order.
The suspects are currently being profiled and investigated, with the NSCDC promising that due process will be followed in their prosecution.
